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

In Colorado, the aspens should offer good viewing from September through mid-October, though dry conditions may cause leaves to drop a bit earlier than usual, according to AccuWeather. —Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025

My pace slowed as my senses focused on the aspens around me. —Jim Tschetter, Outdoor Life, 27 Aug. 2025

By September, aspen and balsam poplar trees at the entrance are a brilliant yellow, and scrub vegetation (also known as the taiga) turns rust colored, making for an impressive vista. —Chloe Arrojado, AFAR Media, 25 Aug. 2025

The high-altitude aspen groves, naturally fire-resistant, stood out like shining islands carpeted in tall emerald grass, some of it tinged black. —River Selby august 25, Literary Hub, 25 Aug. 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