jackstraw

noun

jack·​straw ˈjak-ˌstrȯ How to pronounce jackstraw (audio)
1
jackstraws plural in form but singular in construction : a game in which a set of straws or thin strips is let fall in a heap with each player in turn trying to remove one at a time without disturbing the rest
2
: one of the pieces used in the game jackstraws

Word History

First Known Use

1795, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of jackstraw was in 1795

Dictionary Entries Near jackstraw

Cite this Entry

“Jackstraw.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jackstraw. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

jackstraw

noun
jack·​straw -ˌstrȯ How to pronounce jackstraw (audio)
1
: one of the pieces used in the game jackstraws
2
plural : a game in which straws or thin strips are let fall in a heap and each player in turn tries to remove one at a time without disturbing the rest
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!