Japanese maple

noun

: a maple (Acer palmatum) of Japan, China, and Korea with purple flowers and usually deeply parted leaves that is widely cultivated as a shrub or small tree

Examples of Japanese maple in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For example, opt for small trees such as Japanese maple, flowering dogwood, crabapple, serviceberry, and redbud rather than towering shade trees. — Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Aug. 2026

Many ornamental and flowering trees fall into this category, like dogwoods, Japanese maples, and ornamental cherry trees. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 31 July 2026

The landscaping is designed to blend into the urban landscape, combining pots of various shapes and sizes that house climbing plants, evergreens, Japanese maples, and tropical species. — Francesca Longoni, Architectural Digest, 18 July 2026

For a low-key, B&B-style stay, Le Secret has five bright guest rooms—understated with a mix of vintage decor—overlooking a lush garden with a sleek swimming pool, olive trees, Japanese maples, and figs. — Caitlin Gunther, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1898, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for Japanese maple

• papal
• staple

Kids Definition

Japanese maple

noun

: a maple native to Japan, China, and Korea with usually green, red, or purplish leaves