maple

noun

ma·​ple ˈmā-pəl 

: any of a genus (Acer of the family Sapindaceae, the soapberry 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

Sugar maple Sugar maple is one of Ohio's best for fall color. —Chris McKeown, Cincinnati Enquirer, 6 Sep. 2025

This set includes eight in saturated tones, plus 30 faux maple leaves that are surprisingly detailed and great for scattering along a mantle or layering into a centerpiece. —Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 5 Sep. 2025

The strands boast a medley of maple leaves, pumpkins, and pinecones in earthy hues that add a pop of color to a mantel without looking over the top. —Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Sep. 2025

There’s original wood paneling and maple flooring, but the property now feels updated to suit a modern day traveler. —Kate Kassin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 5 Sep. 2025

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

Phrases Containing maple

• bird's-eye maple
• hard maple
• Japanese maple
• maple sugar
• maple syrup
• Norway maple
• red maple
• rock maple
• silver maple
• sugar maple
• tiger maple
• vine maple

Rhymes for maple

• papal
• staple

Kids Definition

maple

noun

ma·​ple ˈmā-pəl 

: 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