Straw: meaning, definitions and examples

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straw

[strɔː ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

drinking

A thin tube of paper, plastic, or other material used for sucking up liquid into the mouth.

Synonyms

sipping device, tube.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
straw	This variant of 'straw' has the same meaning as the first but is included here to show that both single and plural forms exist. The usage context is identical. She prefers using a metal straw to reduce waste.
tube	A tube is a general term that can refer to a hollow cylindrical material. In the context of drinking, calling a straw a tube is technically correct but less common. Tube is more likely used in scientific, mechanical, or medical contexts. The lab technician connected a rubber tube to the apparatus. Our irrigation system uses a network of plastic tubes to deliver water.
sipping device	Sipping device is a more technical or formal term for any tool used for sipping liquids. It can be used in scientific or medical contexts, or when referring to innovative or specialized products. The new medical sipping device helps patients drink without spilling. This innovative sipping device can filter water as you drink.

Word

Description / Examples

straw

This variant of 'straw' has the same meaning as the first but is included here to show that both single and plural forms exist. The usage context is identical.

She prefers using a metal straw to reduce waste.

tube

A tube is a general term that can refer to a hollow cylindrical material. In the context of drinking, calling a straw a tube is technically correct but less common. Tube is more likely used in scientific, mechanical, or medical contexts.

The lab technician connected a rubber tube to the apparatus.
Our irrigation system uses a network of plastic tubes to deliver water.

sipping device

Sipping device is a more technical or formal term for any tool used for sipping liquids. It can be used in scientific or medical contexts, or when referring to innovative or specialized products.

The new medical sipping device helps patients drink without spilling.
This innovative sipping device can filter water as you drink.

Examples of usage

I used a straw to drink my soda.
She sipped her cocktail through a straw.
He stirred his iced coffee with a straw.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

material

Stems of grain, especially of wheat, rye, oats, or barley, from which the grain is harvested.

Synonyms

stalks.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
straw	Commonly used to refer to dried plant stems, often used for animal bedding, mulching gardens, or as a material in crafts. The barn was full of straw for the horses We used straw to cover the garden beds for the winter
stalks	Typically used to describe the main stems of plants, especially when they are still green and growing. Stalks can also refer to the part of a plant that supports the leaves and flowers. Corn stalks can grow very tall She cut the asparagus stalks for dinner

Word

Description / Examples

straw

Commonly used to refer to dried plant stems, often used for animal bedding, mulching gardens, or as a material in crafts.

The barn was full of straw for the horses
We used straw to cover the garden beds for the winter

stalks

Typically used to describe the main stems of plants, especially when they are still green and growing. Stalks can also refer to the part of a plant that supports the leaves and flowers.

Corn stalks can grow very tall
She cut the asparagus stalks for dinner

Examples of usage

The farmer gathered the straw after harvesting the wheat.
She used straw for the bedding of the animals.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

hat

A stiff wide-brimmed hat with a flat crown.

Synonyms

boater, skimmer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
straw	General term often used to refer to a hat made from straw material. It can be used in various casual or informal settings. She wore a simple straw hat to the beach. The farmer tipped his straw hat as he greeted us.
boater	Typically used to describe a flat-topped, brimmed hat made of stiff straw. Often associated with summer events, boating parties, or historical contexts. He wore a boater to the garden party. The students were dressed in blazers and boaters for their annual rowing event.
skimmer	Another term for a boater hat, but may specifically refer to its use in American contexts or in more historical references. The actors in the period drama all wore skimmers. A classic skimmer hat completed his summer outfit.

Word

Description / Examples

straw

General term often used to refer to a hat made from straw material. It can be used in various casual or informal settings.

She wore a simple straw hat to the beach.
The farmer tipped his straw hat as he greeted us.

boater

Typically used to describe a flat-topped, brimmed hat made of stiff straw. Often associated with summer events, boating parties, or historical contexts.

He wore a boater to the garden party.
The students were dressed in blazers and boaters for their annual rowing event.

skimmer

Another term for a boater hat, but may specifically refer to its use in American contexts or in more historical references.

The actors in the period drama all wore skimmers.
A classic skimmer hat completed his summer outfit.

Examples of usage

He wore a straw hat to protect himself from the sun.
She looked stylish in her straw hat.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Old English 'streaw', which means 'dry grass or hay'.
Its use in drinking dates back to the 19th century when the first paper straws were invented.
In many languages, the term for straw shares similar roots, pointing to its widespread historical use.

Cultural Significance

In many rural societies, straw has been traditionally used for animal bedding, highlighting its practical agricultural uses.
The straw hat is a significant cultural artifact, often associated with summer, farming, and outdoor activities.
Certain crafts like straw weaving are recognized as traditional arts, practiced in cultures around the world.

Environmental Impact

Plastic straws contribute to ocean pollution, leading to a global movement for eco-friendly alternatives, like metal or bamboo straws.
Straw, being biodegradable, is seen as a more sustainable option for packaging and agriculture.
Using straw as mulch in gardening can improve soil health, retain moisture, and suppress weeds.

Science

The structure of straw allows for capillary action, which helps liquids travel upwards in its narrow tube.
Studies have shown that consuming beverages through a straw can affect the flavor perception due to the way it mixes with air.
Straws are also used in scientific experiments, including demonstrating fluid dynamics and pressure.

Literature & Arts

The popular nursery rhyme 'The Three Little Pigs' features straw as a building material, illustrating themes of strength and vulnerability.
In children's stories, straw often symbolizes simplicity and innocence, used in various fables and parables.
Artists like Van Gogh depicted straw bales in their works, showcasing the beauty of rural life.

Translations

Translations of the word "straw" in other languages:

🇵🇹 canudo

🇮🇳 पुआल

🇩🇪 Strohhalm

🇮🇩 sedotan

🇺🇦 соломинка

🇵🇱 słomka

🇯🇵 ストロー

🇫🇷 paille

🇪🇸 pajita

🇹🇷 pipet

🇰🇷 빨대

🇸🇦 شفاطة

🇨🇿 brčko

🇸🇰 slamka

🇨🇳 吸管

🇸🇮 slamica

🇮🇸 rör

🇰🇿 сабан

🇬🇪 სასმელი მილი

🇦🇿 saman

🇲🇽 popote

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,464 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

...
5461 heritage
5462 altitude
5463 fusion
5464 straw
5465 texture
5466 navy
5467 repealed
...