Staple: meaning, definitions and examples

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staple

[ ˈsteɪpl ]

^{Context #1}

food

A basic dietary item that is used frequently and in large quantities, such as bread, rice, or pasta.

Synonyms

basic food, dietary essential, staple food

Examples of usage

Bread is a staple in many cultures around the world.
Rice is a staple food in many Asian countries.

^{Context #2}

office supplies

A small strip of wire bent so as to bind together papers.

Synonyms

binder clip, paperclip

Examples of usage

I need to staple these papers together before submitting them.

^{Context #3}

fasten

To fasten or secure with a staple or staples.

Synonyms

attach, secure

Examples of usage

She stapled the papers together to keep them in order.

Translations

Translations of the word "staple" in other languages:

🇵🇹 grampeador

🇮🇳 स्टेपल

🇩🇪 Heftklammer

🇮🇩 staples

🇺🇦 скоба

🇵🇱 zszywka

🇯🇵 ホチキス

🇫🇷 agrafe

🇪🇸 grapa

🇹🇷 zımba teli

🇰🇷 스테이플

🇸🇦 دبوس

🇨🇿 sponka

🇸🇰 sponka

🇨🇳 订书钉

🇸🇮 sponka

🇮🇸 hefti

🇰🇿 скоба

🇬🇪 სტეპლი

🇦🇿 skoba

🇲🇽 grapa

Word origin

The word 'staple' originated from Old French 'estaple' meaning marketplace, which in turn came from Latin 'stipula' meaning straw. Over time, the term evolved to refer to essential goods or commodities. In the 13th century, 'staple' began to be used in English to describe the principal commodity of a place, such as wool in England. The sense of 'staple' as a basic food item dates back to the 16th century.