maple

noun

ma·​ple ˈmā-pəl How to pronounce maple (audio)
: any of a genus (Acer of the family Aceraceae, the maple family) of chiefly deciduous trees or shrubs with opposite leaves and a fruit of two united samaras
also : the hard light-colored close-grained wood of a maple used especially for flooring and furniture

Examples of maple in a Sentence

The maple leaf is an emblem of Canada. a table made of maple
Recent Examples on the Web Marks said there are young maple trees that have been planted on the property of the Indian Community School. Frank Vaisvilas, Journal Sentinel, 8 Mar. 2024 Read on below: How to make the most of your limited kitchen counter space These plush maple oatmeal muffins check all the right boxes How cooking with your partner can strengthen your relationship Want more recipes and tips? Becky Krystal, Washington Post, 15 Feb. 2024 Chai tea hefeweizen, orange mint IPA, peach fig pale ale and smoked maple bacon black ale among them. Colin Campbell, Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024 The micro air vehicle was inspired by the aerodynamics of maple seeds, whose twirling slows and prolongs their descent. IEEE Spectrum, 1 Feb. 2024 An 18-inch, three-rack model made of maple costs about $400 and has simple installation. Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024 The whiskey was bottled at 105.8 proof, and has notes of honeysuckle, gingerbread, allspice, and of course maple on the palate. Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 24 Jan. 2024 For stout lovers, Go Brewing knocks it out of the park with its Donut Kill My Vibe vanilla maple stout. Jordyn Noennig, Journal Sentinel, 18 Jan. 2024 Using a pastry brush, glaze ham with 1/3 cup maple mixture; set aside remaining glaze. Jasmine Smith, Southern Living, 30 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'maple.' 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, from Old English mapul-; akin to Old Norse mǫpurr maple

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of maple was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near maple

Cite this Entry

“Maple.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/maple. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

maple

noun
ma·​ple ˈmā-pəl How to pronounce maple (audio)
: any of a group of trees having deeply notched opposite leaves, dry fruits with two wings, and hard light-colored wood and including some from which maple syrup and maple sugar are obtained
also : the wood of a maple

More from Merriam-Webster on maple

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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