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

For one quieter alternative, head south of Steamboat Springs to the Flat Tops Trail Scenic Byway, where gravel roads, mountain passes and long stretches of aspens make the drive itself part of the attraction. — Joe Ruch, CBS News, 18 Sep. 2026

Maybe the South doesn’t brag about its blazing fall colors (because that’s just bad manners), but Southern gardeners can enjoy autumn splendor every bit as lovely as the sugar maples in Vermont or the aspens in the Rockies. — Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 12 Sep. 2026

There’s the Santa Fe National Forest Scenic Byway, which winds through 16 miles of aspen-evergreen woodlands. — Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 10 Sep. 2026

Mountain towns and state parks along the Front Range are preparing for one of the busiest seasons of the year, when leaf-peepers arrive to bask in the glory of golden aspen trees. — Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 3 Sep. 2026

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