Japanese maple

noun

: a maple (Acer palmatum) of Japan, China, and Korea with purple flowers and usually deeply parted leaves that is widely cultivated as a shrub or small tree

Examples of Japanese maple in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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For a low-key, B&B-style stay, Le Secret has five bright guest rooms—understated with a mix of vintage decor—overlooking a lush garden with a sleek swimming pool, olive trees, Japanese maples, and figs. Caitlin Gunther, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 June 2026 The adjacent ornamental garden holds gingko, hydrangeas, iris, Japanese maple, and elephant ears. Teresa Woodard, Midwest Living, 15 May 2026 Outdoor spaces include a small event lawn at the front of the house and a courtyard outside the office centered around a Japanese maple tree. Tori Latham, Robb Report, 8 May 2026 Small understory trees like Japanese maples and dogwoods can also add height to the garden. Steve Bender, Southern Living, 17 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for Japanese maple

Word History

First Known Use

1898, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Japanese maple was in 1898

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Cite this Entry

“Japanese maple.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Japanese%20maple. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

Japanese maple

noun
: a maple native to Japan, China, and Korea with usually green, red, or purplish leaves

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