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

The banana puddin’ and maple pecan bread pudding were calling hard, but seal-level consumption had taken its toll. —Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 June 2026

Our choice today is maple cinnamon French toast. —Ed Silverman, STAT, 3 June 2026

This is a really rich bourbon that is still quite delicate despite that high barrel proof, with notes of bubblegum, cherry, grape, ripe fruit, and an almost candy-like character on the palate, evolving into flavors like maple, honey, a bit of spice, and a hint of fresh mint on the finish. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 2 June 2026

Flavors include classic, tiramisu, matcha, raspberry, maple and chocolate. —Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 June 2026

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