Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

jackstraw

noun

/ˈjakˌstrô/

Definition

A jackstraw is a slender piece of wood or straw that is used in a children’s game or to refer to a disheveled arrangement of items.

Examples

The children played jackstraws in the backyard on a sunny afternoon.
After the storm, the garden looked like a jackstraw, with branches and leaves scattered everywhere.

Meaning

In playful contexts, it refers to the game where players take turns removing pieces without disturbing others. In a broader sense, it can describe something that is messy or in disarray.