staple
STAY-puhl
/ˈsteɪpəl/
A basic food or item that is used frequently and in large amounts.
As a noun, it refers to the item itself (like rice or milk). As an adjective, it describes the item's status (a staple food).
The story behind the word. The word 'staple' comes from the Middle Dutch 'stapel', meaning a pillar or a foundation. It eventually came to mean a town where specific goods were officially authorized to be sold, and later, the goods themselves that formed the basis of trade.
Word relationships
- basic: A more general term for something fundamental.
- essential: Implies something that is absolutely necessary for survival or a specific purpose.
- luxury: Something expensive and desirable but not necessary for basic living.
Commonly confused with
- commodity: A 'commodity' is a raw material that can be bought and sold, while a 'staple' is a basic necessity specifically in a diet or household.
Word family
- staples (noun): Plural form of staple.
Collocations
- staple food
- staple diet
- staple item
Example sentences
- "The staple of the diet of the people of the country is rice." Nutrition
- "Wheat and corn remain staple commodities in the global market." Economics
Memory hook
A staple is like a 'stable' part of your diet. Staple: Stay-put food that is always in your pantry.
When not to use
Do not confuse with the metal fastener used for paper.
Fun facts
- The 'staple' metal fastener was named because it 'holds things in place', much like staple foods are the foundation of a diet.
- Salt was once such a vital staple that it was used as currency.
Explore more words
shelf-stable, uniform, foundational, provisions, sustenance, steady
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