Literal meaning:
* I used a straw to sip my milkshake.
* The farmer stacked the straw bales in the barn.
* The straw hat shielded her face from the sun.
Figurative meaning:
* The straw that broke the camel's back was the unexpected job loss.
* He was clutching at straws, hoping for a miracle.
* The politician was grasping at straws to explain the scandal.