/ ˈsteɪpl; NAmE / adjective , noun , verb
■ 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.
■ 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.
staple (of sth) a large or important part of sth :
Royal gossip is a staple of the tabloid press.
■ verb
[ vn + 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.
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WORD ORIGIN
noun senses 1 to 2 and verb Old English stapol , of Germanic origin; related to Dutch stapel pillar (a sense reflected in English in early use).
noun senses 3 to 5 and adjective Middle English (originally referring to a centre of trade): from Old French estaple market, from Middle Low German , Middle Dutch stapel pillar, emporium; related to the verb staple .