Definition of straw
1 a
: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
3 a (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 2
4 a
: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
