Definition of straw
(Entry 1 of 2)
1a
: stalks of grain after threshing
broadly
: dry stalky plant residue used like grain straw (as for bedding or packing)
b
: a natural or artificial heavy fiber used for weaving, plaiting, or braiding
2
: a dry coarse stem especially of a cereal grass
3a(1)
: something of small worth or significance
(2)
: something too insubstantial to provide support or help in a desperate situation
clutching at straws
b
: chaff sense 2
4a
: something (such as a hat) made of straw
b
: a tube (as of paper, plastic, or glass) for sucking up a beverage
5
: straw yellow
straw in the wind
: a slight fact that is an indication of a coming event
straw
adjectiveDefinition of straw (Entry 2 of 2)
1
: made of straw
a straw hat
2
: of, relating to, or used for straw
a straw barn
3
: of the color of straw : pale yellow in color
straw hair
4
: of little or no value : worthless
5
: of, relating to, resembling, or being a straw man
6
: of, relating to, or concerned with the discovery of preferences by means of a straw vote
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for straw
The first known use of straw was before the 12th century
See more words from the same century