maple

noun

ma·​ple ˈmā-pəl 

: any of a genus (Acer of the family Sapindaceae, the soapberry family) of chiefly deciduous trees or shrubs with opposite leaves and a fruit of two united samaras

also : the hard light-colored close-grained wood of a maple used especially for flooring and furniture

Examples of maple in a Sentence

The maple leaf is an emblem of Canada.

a table made of maple

Recent Examples on the Web

We were being ushered through the Columbia River Gorge, whose jagged cliffs were thick with evergreen trees and vibrant yellow maples, which contrasted perfectly with the gray-green water below. —Becky Cooper, Travel + Leisure, 12 Aug. 2025

On stormy days, undulating branches seemed to be trying to pull loose from the maples and oaks. —Annie Proulx, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2025

The forests full of different trees, from oaks and maples to sweetgums, all but guarantee a showstopping view. —AFAR Media, 4 Aug. 2025

And pumpkin, maple and caramel fans won't have to wait long for a sweet autumn treat — Dairy Queen is launching its trio of desserts at the end of the month. —Rachel Raposas, People.com, 4 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English mapul-; akin to Old Norse mǫpurr maple

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing maple

• bird's-eye maple
• hard maple
• Japanese maple
• maple sugar
• maple syrup
• Norway maple
• red maple
• rock maple
• silver maple
• sugar maple
• tiger maple
• vine maple

Rhymes for maple

• papal
• staple

Kids Definition

maple

noun

ma·​ple ˈmā-pəl 

: any of a group of trees having deeply notched opposite leaves, dry fruits with two wings, and hard light-colored wood and including some from which maple syrup and maple sugar are obtained

also : the wood of a maple