1. Basic Food Item: This is the most common meaning. A staple food is a food that is regularly consumed by a large population and forms a significant part of their diet. Examples include rice, bread, potatoes, and beans.
2. Essential Item: "Staple" can also refer to an essential item or product, something that is always needed or used. For example:
* "A staple in my wardrobe." This means the item is a basic, essential piece of clothing that you wear frequently.
* "Staple ingredients for baking." This refers to essential ingredients that you always need for baking, like flour, sugar, and eggs.
3. To Fasten or Secure: This meaning refers to the act of fastening or securing something. It often implies a temporary or provisional action. For example:
* "Staple the pages together." This means to use a stapler to hold the pages together temporarily.
* "Staple the papers to the bulletin board." This refers to fastening papers to the bulletin board with a stapler.
4. To Be Found Regularly: This meaning is less common but can be used to refer to something that occurs or is found regularly or consistently. For example:
* "Staple news stories." This could refer to news stories that are common or regularly featured.
It's important to consider the context to understand the specific meaning of "staple."