staple

[ˈsteɪ.pəl]

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A staple is an essential or fundamental thing, often necessary for everyday life. You might think of food staples like rice or bread.

You'll commonly hear "staple" used to talk about something that's very important or needed constantly. For example, someone might say, "Toilet paper is a household staple." This means it's something you need at home all the time. When people discuss fashion, they might refer to jeans as a wardrobe staple. That means jeans are an essential item in many people's closets because they're comfortable and versatile.

How common is "staple"?

Word staple is considered uncommon in modern English.
It has a balanced usage among all categories: speech, fiction, newspapers and academic texts.

Definitions

noun

A town containing merchants who have exclusive right, under royal authority, to purchase or produce certain goods for export; also, the body of such merchants seen as a group.
(by extension) Place of supply; source.
The principal commodity produced in a town or region.
A basic or essential supply.
Example: Rice is a staple in the diet of many cultures.
A recurring topic or character.
Short fiber, as of cotton, sheep’s wool, or the like, which can be spun into yarn or thread.
Unmanufactured material; raw material.

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verb

To sort according to its staple.
Example: to staple cotton

adjective

Relating to, or being market of staple for, commodities.
Example: a staple town
Established in commerce; occupying the markets; settled.
Example: a staple trade
Fit to be sold; marketable.
Regularly produced or manufactured in large quantities; belonging to wholesale traffic; principal; chief.

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Real examples of "staple" in context

Bob Odenkirk Has a Fire in His Belly While Eating Spicy Wings | Hot Ones

Interview

For a great northern staple, try that classic chili maple.

24:54