aspen

noun

as·​pen ˈa-spən How to pronounce aspen (audio)
: any of several poplars (especially Populus tremula of Europe and P. tremuloides and P. grandidentata of North America) with leaves that flutter in the lightest wind because of their flattened petioles

Examples of aspen in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web There are historic buildings on parts of the trail and groves of aspen trees throughout. Mindy Sink, The Denver Post, 16 Apr. 2024 The trail is beautiful year-round but really pops in the fall, when the aspen trees turn shades of yellow, orange, and red. Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 29 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for aspen 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'aspen.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, of an aspen, from asp aspen, from Old English æspe; akin to Old High German aspa aspen, Russian osina

First Known Use

1593, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of aspen was in 1593

Dictionary Entries Near aspen

Cite this Entry

“Aspen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aspen. Accessed 29 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

aspen

noun
as·​pen ˈas-pən How to pronounce aspen (audio)
: any of several poplars with leaves that flutter in the lightest breeze

Geographical Definition

Aspen

geographical name

As·​pen ˈa-spən How to pronounce Aspen (audio)
resort city in west central Colorado population 6658

More from Merriam-Webster on aspen

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