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

Most hardwood floors come from deciduous trees, including oak, maple, walnut or mahogany. —Dan Simms, USA Today, 17 Feb. 2026

Tree species such as oak, willow, maple, poplar, birch, and eucalyptus are especially good at this and can regrow surprisingly quickly, particularly if the tree was relatively young and healthy when it was cut down. —Steven John, Architectural Digest, 13 Feb. 2026

The 2023 four-bedroom features a double-height great room with micro-cement flooring and a chef’s kitchen with maple cabinets, an arched bar, and Bertazzoni appliances. —The Week Us, TheWeek, 9 Feb. 2026

Best Shopping Cooperstown Bat Company At Cooperstown Bat Company, high-quality baseball bats are made from upstate New York wood including maple, ash, and yellow birch. —Linnea Bailey, Travel + Leisure, 9 Feb. 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