straws
word · lemma: straw
Definition
Straws are thin tubes, usually made of plastic, paper, or other materials, that you use to drink liquids. 'Straw' can also mean the dry stems of grain plants, but the plural 'straws' most often refers to drinking straws.
Usage & Nuances
'Straws' almost always refers to drinking straws in modern English; regional terms include 'pajillas', 'canudos', or 'palhinhas' in Spanish/Portuguese. Less commonly, the plural can mean pieces of dried plant stems. Fixed phrases: 'grasping at straws' (desperately trying for a solution). Common with 'plastic', 'paper', 'metal', or 'bamboo' as modifiers.
Example Sentences
We need more straws for the party.
basic
He put two straws in his milkshake.
basic
The restaurant uses paper straws instead of plastic.
basic
Can you grab some more straws from the kitchen?
natural
All the kids wanted colorful straws for their drinks.
natural
The bar switched to reusable metal straws last year.
natural