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REFERENCE

straw

n. · adj.
US //ˈstɹɔ// UK //stɹˈɔː// straw
  1. 1 dried plant stalks (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    the dried yellow stems of wheat or other grain plants, often used for animal bedding.

    the dried stalks of cereal plants, considered collectively as a material for fodder, bedding, or thatch.

    Example

    The farmer spread fresh straw on the floor of the barn for the horses.

    Example

    The traditional cottage was roofed with thick layers of wheat straw, providing excellent insulation against the harsh winter winds.
  2. 2 drinking tube (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    a thin tube made of plastic, paper, or glass used for sucking a drink from a container.

    a thin, hollow tube used for conveying a liquid from a vessel to the mouth by suction.

    Example

    The child asked for a straw so she could drink her juice without spilling it.

    Example

    Many restaurants have replaced plastic straws with biodegradable paper alternatives to reduce their environmental impact.
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  1. 3 something worthless (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    something that has very little value or is not important.

    something of minimal value or importance; frequently used in idioms to describe a final minor problem or a weak argument.

    Example

    He didn't care a straw about what the neighbours thought of his loud music.

    Example

    The latest tax increase was the last straw for the small business owners, who finally decided to close their shops in protest.
  2. 4 made of straw (adj.)
    A2 Elementary

    made from the dried stems of grain plants.

    constructed or woven from dried cereal stalks.

    Example

    She wore a wide straw hat to protect her face from the summer sun.

    Example

    The artisan sold beautiful straw baskets at the local market, each one hand-woven using traditional techniques.
  3. 5 pale yellow colour (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Literary

    having a very pale, yellowish-beige colour like dried grass.

    denoting a pale, yellowish-beige hue characteristic of dried grain stalks.

    Example

    The old book had straw-coloured pages that were brittle to the touch.

    Example

    The wine had a delicate straw tint, suggesting a light body and crisp acidity.
    • pale yellow
    • flaxen
Origin

From Middle English straw, from Old English strēaw, from Proto-West Germanic strau, from Proto-Germanic strawą (“that which is strewn, straw”), from Proto-Indo-European *strew- (“to spread around, strew”). Cognate with Saterland Frisian Sträi (“straw”), West Frisian strie (“straw”), Dutch stro (“straw”), German Low German Stroh (“straw”), German Stroh (“straw”), Danish, Norwegian and Swedish strå (“straw”), Icelandic strá (“straw”), Walloon strin, Albanian shtrohë (“kennel”).

Word family
Idioms8 entries

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