A cǎo mào (straw hat) is a lightweight, breathable hat traditionally woven from dried grasses, bamboo strips, or other plant fibers like wheat straw or rice straw. The first character, cǎo, means 'grass' or more broadly 'plant fiber', indicating the natural, organic material used in its construction. The second character, mào, means 'hat' or 'head covering'—a general term for any headwear. Together, they form a compound noun specifying a hat made specifically from straw or similar fibrous plant materials.

Straw hats are commonly worn in warm climates for sun protection and ventilation, especially by farmers, gardeners, beachgoers, or festival attendees. In China, traditional straw hats often feature conical shapes and wide brims, echoing regional agricultural heritage. While modern versions may use synthetic fibers, the term cǎo mào still evokes craftsmanship, simplicity, and closeness to nature—making it a culturally resonant word in contexts related to rural life, handicrafts, or seasonal attire.