poplar

noun

pop·​lar ˈpä-plər 

1

a

: any of a genus (Populus) of slender catkin-bearing quick-growing deciduous trees (such as an aspen or cottonwood) of the willow family

b

: the wood of a poplar

2

: tulip tree sense 1

Examples of poplar in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Huge oaks and poplars were laid down like dominoes the full length of the ridge. —Barbara Kingsolver, Southern Living, 25 Apr. 2025

Loam, sand Soil pH: Acid (5.0-6.5) 10 of 11 Tulip Poplar The Tulip poplar is one of the largest and most valuable hardwood trees in the United States. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 27 Mar. 2025

Many species introduced in the early phases of the program—especially fast-growing poplars and pines grown in monoculture plantations—were poorly suited to the harsh, dry environments of northern China. —Scott Travers, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025

Located on Lookout Mountain, one of the best times to visit Mentone is during fall when native poplars, dogwoods, maples, and hickories begin to turn, creating a bold patchwork of red, orange, yellow, across the mountainside. —Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 15 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English popler, from Anglo-French, from Old French *pople poplar, from Latin populus

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing poplar

• balsam poplar
• Lombardy poplar
• tulip poplar
• yellow poplar

Kids Definition

poplar

noun

pop·​lar ˈpäp-lər 

1

: any of a genus of slender quick-growing trees (as an aspen or cottonwood) that have catkins for flowers and are related to the willows

2

: the wood of a poplar

Geographical Definition

Poplar

geographical name

Pop·​lar ˈpä-plər 

former metropolitan borough of eastern London, England, on the northern bank of the Thames River that is now part of the borough of Tower Hamlets