aspen

noun

as·​pen ˈa-spən 

: 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

Tremendous mountains surge up around all of these lakes; visit in September and October for the chance to see the aspen and cottonwood leaves changing color. —Chelsee Lowe, Travel + Leisure, 30 Dec. 2025

The loop trail is easy-to-moderate and offers outstanding views of the abundant aspens and the San Francisco Peaks. —Michael Salerno, AZCentral.com, 22 Dec. 2025

This double nature of our experience of time as simultaneously linear and embedded within cycles of related and recurrent experiences is particularly evident in the natural world, where the trembling aspens of June and the frozen lakes of December can be experienced as both fleeting and timeless. —Literary Hub, 17 Dec. 2025

One aspen, about 30 yards distant, was waving. —William D. Brown, Outdoor Life, 13 Nov. 2025

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

Phrases Containing aspen

• quaking aspen

Kids Definition

aspen

noun

as·​pen ˈas-pən 

: any of several poplars with leaves that flutter in the lightest breeze

Geographical Definition

Aspen

geographical name

As·​pen ˈa-spən 

resort city in west central Colorado population 6658