straw
- 01 A2 Elementary
n.the dried yellow stems of wheat or other grain plants, often used for animal bedding.
n.the dried stalks of cereal plants, considered collectively as a material for fodder, bedding, or thatch.
Simple“The farmer spread fresh straw on the floor of the barn for the horses.”
In context“The traditional cottage was roofed with thick layers of wheat straw, providing excellent insulation against the harsh winter winds.”
- 02 A2 Elementary
n.a thin tube made of plastic, paper, or glass used for sucking a drink from a container.
n.a thin, hollow tube used for conveying a liquid from a vessel to the mouth by suction.
Simple“The child asked for a straw so she could drink her juice without spilling it.”
In context“Many restaurants have replaced plastic straws with biodegradable paper alternatives to reduce their environmental impact.”
Synonymstubepipette - 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.something that has very little value or is not important.
n.something of minimal value or importance; frequently used in idioms to describe a final minor problem or a weak argument.
Simple“He didn't care a straw about what the neighbours thought of his loud music.”
In context“The latest tax increase was the last straw for the small business owners, who finally decided to close their shops in protest.”
- 04 A2 Elementary
adj.made from the dried stems of grain plants.
adj.constructed or woven from dried cereal stalks.
Simple“She wore a wide straw hat to protect her face from the summer sun.”
In context“The artisan sold beautiful straw baskets at the local market, each one hand-woven using traditional techniques.”
Synonyms - 05 C1 Advanced
adj.having a very pale, yellowish-beige colour like dried grass.
adj.denoting a pale, yellowish-beige hue characteristic of dried grain stalks.
Simple“The old book had straw-coloured pages that were brittle to the touch.”
In context“The wine had a delicate straw tint, suggesting a light body and crisp acidity.”
Synonymspale yellowflaxen
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”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.