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

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

They're typically comprised of coniferous tree species such as pine, spruce and fir, as well as some broadleaf species, such as poplar and birch. —Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 10 Feb. 2026

Lombardy poplars, in particular, can grow 6 feet high per year and as high as 50 to 60 feet. —Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 16 Jan. 2026

Its golf course is one of the most poplar in the area and includes a practice range and green. —Helen I. Bennett, Hartford Courant, 11 Jan. 2026

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