staple [staplestaplesstapledstapling] adjective, noun, verb BrE [ˈsteɪpl] NAmE [ˈsteɪpl] adjective only before noun forming a basic, large or important part of sth •The staple crop is rice. •Jeans are a staple part of everyone's wardrobe.
Word Origin: n. senses 1 to 2 and v. Old English stapol Germanic Dutch stapel ‘pillar’ n. senses 3 to 5 and adj. Middle English Old French estaple ‘market’ Middle Low German Middle Dutch stapel ‘pillar, emporium’ ↑staple
noun 1. a small piece of wire that is used in a device called a ↑stapler and is pushed through pieces of paper and bent over at the ends in order to fasten the pieces of paper together 2. a small piece of metal in the shape of a U that is hit into wooden surfaces using a ↑hammer, used especially for holding electrical wires in place 3. a basic type of food that is used a lot •Aid workers helped distribute corn, milk and other staples. 4. something that is produced by a country and is important for its economy •Rubber became the staple of the Malayan economy. 5.~ (of sth) a large or important part of sth •Royal gossip is a staple of the tabloid press.
Word Origin: n. senses 1 to 2 and v. Old English stapol Germanic Dutch stapel ‘pillar’ n. senses 3 to 5 and adj. Middle English Old French estaple ‘market’ Middle Low German Middle Dutch stapel ‘pillar, emporium’ ↑staple
verb ~ sth + adv./prep. to attach one thing to another using a ↑staple or ↑staples •Staple the invoice to the receipt. •Staple the invoice and the receipt together. Verb forms:
Word Origin: n. senses 1 to 2 and v. Old English stapol Germanic Dutch stapel ‘pillar’ n. senses 3 to 5 and adj. Middle English Old French estaple ‘market’ Middle Low German Middle Dutch stapel ‘pillar, emporium’ ↑staple
only before noun 