easy
Rice is a staple food in many places.
What does Staple mean?
something basic and commonly used.
Dictionary definition
A basic or important item used often; also a small piece of metal used to fasten papers.
Example sentences
Staple in a sentence
medium
The report called reading a staple skill for learning.
hard
A staple item is so useful that people rely on it again and again.
Writing practice
Ready to write your own? Study the examples, then practice staple in a sentence with Sentence Builder checklist feedback.
Quick practice
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Practice the meaning of Staple
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
What does staple mean?
Staple means something basic and commonly used.
Practice 2
Which word is closest in meaning to staple?
Essential is close in meaning to staple.
Practice 3
Which word is a useful contrast for staple?
Extra contrasts with staple in this context.
Practice complete
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Pronunciation coach
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Staple
Voice settings
Sounds like
stay · pul · strongest beat: stay
Tap each sound part, then blend the whole word together.
Learn
WordStaple.
Partnoun, adjective.
MeaningStaple means something basic and commonly used.
ExampleExample: Rice is a staple food in many places.
Word breakdown
2 syllables. Say each part, then blend the word.
- Syllables
- stay · pul
- Strongest beat
- stay
- Ending
- pul
- Tip
- Put a little extra energy on stay.
Your turn
Say Staple
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Nice work—you practiced staple.
Synonyms
Words like Staple
Antonyms
Opposite words
extraUse for something not basic or necessary.
luxuryUse for something pleasant but not required.
optional itemA contrast for something not needed.
Synonym practice
Want to practice staple synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "Rice is a staple food in many meals," then compare close word choices. Practice staple synonyms.
Word family
Staple word family
Base word
staple
noun
staples
More than one staple item or fastener.
verb
stapled
Fastened with a staple.
verb
stapling
Fastening with staples.
Related words
Explore related words
Student support
Understand Staple
Hint for students
something basic and commonly used.
Common mix-up
Staple is not the same as extra. Staple means something basic and commonly used.
Try it in class or at home
Read this model sentence: The report called reading a staple skill for learning. Clue words: report, called, reading. Underline clue words that show why staple fits instead of extra. Now write one new sentence that shows staple without using the word staple. Ask: Does my sentence clearly show staple?
Teacher prompt
Ask students to explain this model sentence: "The report called reading a staple skill for learning." Why does staple fit better than extra?
Learning activities
Practice Staple and explore more word games
Cards labelled “Practice STAPLE” keep this word in focus. Explore cards open games with other words.
Practice STAPLE
Sentence Builder
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