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

This zone is characterized by deciduous trees such as dogwood, alder, and aspen surrounded by conifer forest. —Worth Matthewson, Outdoor Life, 2 Oct. 2025

Sitting at the base of the Rocky Mountains, the village is known for its year-round recreation and ubiquitous aspen trees, which make a stunning (albeit short) shift from fluttering green to bright yellow and orange with hints of red. —Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 26 Sep. 2025

The majority of the trail is forested, so you’ll be treated with a canopy full of cottonwoods, aspens, and willows turning different shades of yellow and orange throughout fall. —Graham Averill, Outside, 26 Sep. 2025

Deciduous trees like cottonwood, ash, aspen and others drop their leaves every fall to survive the winter. —Hayleigh Evans, AZCentral.com, 25 Sep. 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