windlestraw

noun

win·dle·straw ˈwin-dᵊl-ˌstrȯ

ˈwi-nᵊl-

British

: a dry thin stalk of grass

Word History

Etymology

Middle English *windelstraw, from Old English windelstrēaw, from windel- (akin to Middle English windel caulking material) + strēaw straw

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of windlestraw was before the 12th century

See more words from the same century

Browse Nearby Words

windles

windlestraw

windlin

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Windlestraw.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/windlestraw. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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