staple

⁴staple

adj

Definition of STAPLE

1

: used, needed, or enjoyed constantly usually by many individuals

2

: produced regularly or in large quantities <staple crops such as wheat and rice>

3

: principal, chief

Examples of STAPLE

1. such staple items as flour and sugar
2. That's a staple plot in mystery novels.
3. staple crops like wheat, rice, or sugarcane

First Known Use of STAPLE

1615