apple

noun

ap·​ple ˈa-pəl 

often attributive

1

: the fleshy, usually rounded red, yellow, or green edible pome fruit of a usually cultivated tree (genus Malus) of the rose family

also : an apple tree compare crab apple

2

: a fruit (such as a star apple) or other vegetative growth (such as an oak apple) suggestive of an apple

see also:

apple of one's eye

Examples of apple in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In one example, a robotic arm was able to grasp objects such as a cup or an apple based solely on the user’s brain signals. — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 19 July 2026

Oral rehydration solutions, which are sold in most pharmacies, and liquids that contain salts and sugars — like broths, apple juice and electrolyte solutions like Gatorade — are the best bet for keeping your fluids up. — Elise Haulund, CNN Money, 18 July 2026

This full-bodied blend offers juicy flavors of lemon lime, peach, apple, and apricot. — Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 17 July 2026

Add peanut butter to whole-grain toast, apple or celery slices, or simply enjoy it straight out of the jar. — Caitlin Beale, Health, 17 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English appel, from Old English æppel; akin to Old High German apful apple, Old Irish ubull, Old Church Slavic ablŭko

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing apple

• Adam's apple
• apple butter
• apple-cheeked
• apple-knocker
• apple maggot
• apple of one's eye
• apple-pie
• apple-polish
• apple scab
• (as) American as apple pie
• bad apple
• candy apple
• cedar-apple rust
• crab apple
• custard apple
• in apple-pie order
• lady apple
• love apple
• oak apple
• star apple
• sugar apple
• the apple of someone's eye
• thorn apple
• upset the apple cart

Rhymes for apple

• appal
• chapel
• dapple
• grapple
• pineapple

Kids Definition

apple

noun

ap·​ple ˈap-əl 

: a rounded fruit with a red, yellow, or green skin, firm white flesh and a seedy core

also : the tree of the rose family that bears this fruit

Medical Definition

apple

noun

ap·​ple ˈap-əl 

: the fleshy usually rounded and red, yellow, or green edible pome fruit of a tree (genus Malus) of the rose family

also : an apple tree