# straw

/ˈstɹɔ/ (US) · /stɹˈɔː/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/straw
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. dried plant stalks

noun · CEFR A2

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

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

- The farmer spread fresh straw on the floor of the barn for the horses.
- The traditional cottage was roofed with thick layers of wheat straw, providing excellent insulation against the harsh winter winds.

### 2. drinking tube

noun · CEFR A2

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

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

- The child asked for a straw so she could drink her juice without spilling it.
- Many restaurants have replaced plastic straws with biodegradable paper alternatives to reduce their environmental impact.

### 3. something worthless

noun · CEFR B2

something that has very little value or is not important.

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

- He didn't care a straw about what the neighbours thought of his loud music.
- The latest tax increase was the last straw for the small business owners, who finally decided to close their shops in protest.

### 4. made of straw

adjective · CEFR A2

made from the dried stems of grain plants.

For teachers: constructed or woven from dried cereal stalks.

- She wore a wide straw hat to protect her face from the summer sun.
- The artisan sold beautiful straw baskets at the local market, each one hand-woven using traditional techniques.

### 5. pale yellow colour

adjective · CEFR C1 · Literary

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

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

- The old book had straw-coloured pages that were brittle to the touch.
- The wine had a delicate straw tint, suggesting a light body and crisp acidity.

## Examples

- She drinks her iced coffee through a paper straw.
- The farmer spread fresh straw across the floor of the barn to keep the horses warm during the winter.
- Environmental regulations have led many restaurants to replace plastic straws with biodegradable alternatives, though some consumers find the paper versions less durable during extended use.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.