Staple facts for kids

The word staple can mean many different things! It's a word with a few different jobs, depending on how you use it. You might hear it when talking about something that holds papers together, a main food, or even a type of music. Let's explore what "staple" can mean.

Understanding the Word "Staple"

The word "staple" is interesting because it has several different meanings. It can describe an object, a type of food, a material, or even a place.

Staple as a Fastener

A staple is a small piece of metal. It is used to hold sheets of material or wires together. Think about the staples used in a stapler to keep your school papers neat!

Staple as a Basic Need

When something is a staple, it means it's a very important or basic part of something.

Staple Food

A Staple food is a food that is the main part of a diet. For example, rice is a staple food in many parts of Asia. It's what people eat almost every day.

Staple Item

The word "staple" can also describe other things that are basic or essential. For instance, a rollercoaster might be called a "staple" of a theme park. This means it's a classic and expected part of the park.

Staple in Textiles

In the world of clothes and fabrics, staple refers to the raw material of a fiber. It describes the length and quality of the fiber used to make textiles. For example, cotton fibers have a certain "staple" length. This term is used for materials traded in their standard form.

Staple in Music and Arts

The word "staple" can also be part of the name of music groups or events.

The Staple Singers

The Staple Singers were a famous United States singing group. They were known for their gospel, soul, and R&B songs. They made music that touched many people.

Staple (band)

Staple (band) is a different kind of music group. They are a Christian post-hardcore band. This means their music style is a bit heavier and more intense.

STAPLE! Convention

STAPLE! is a special convention. It's a gathering for people who create comics, minicomics, and other independent media. It's a place where artists and writers can share their work.

Places Named Staple

There are also places around the world that have "Staple" in their name.

Staple Ports

In medieval times, a staple port was a special town or port. Trade in certain goods was controlled there. The king would allow specific merchants to trade a product, and they had to do it in a "staple town."

The staple was the name for the main staple port where wool exports were traded. From 1363 to 1558, this important trading spot was in Calais.

Villages and Towns

• Staple, Nord is a commune in the Nord département of France. Its name is in its Flemish form.
• Étaples, Pas-de-Calais, is another place in France where the word "staple" appears. This time, it's in its French form.
• Staple, Kent is a village in Kent, England. It is located near the town of Sandwich.