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

Chris Williams, founder, owner, and chef of Roy’s Grille in Irmo, South Carolina is especially fond of bacon that’s smoked with apple and cherry, but hickory, maple, mesquite, and pecan are also popular options. — Karla Walsh, Southern Living, 25 June 2026

To maximize storage, Lin added a wall of maple and stainless steel cabinetry complete with a coffee bar. — Alyssa Bird, Architectural Digest, 25 June 2026

In the morning, order the Michigan maple pancakes. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 June 2026

We’re intrigued and a little frightened by the Pear Pressure at Gravity Sourdough Pizza, which includes sweet potatoes, goat cheese and maple honey. — Peter St Onge, Charlotte Observer, 24 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