apple

noun, often attributive ap·ple \ ˈa-pəl \

Updated on: 14 Apr 2018

Definition of apple

1 : the fleshy, usually rounded red, yellow, or green edible pome fruit of a usually cultivated tree (genus Malus) of the rose family; also : an apple tree — compare crab apple

2 : a fruit (such as a star apple) or other vegetative growth (such as an oak apple) suggestive of an apple

— apple of one's eye

: one that is highly cherished

his daughter is the apple of his eye

See apple defined for English-language learners

See apple defined for kids

Recent Examples of apple from the Web

Try a pinch in your next pound cake, apple strudel or batch of lemon cookies.

— paul stephen, San Antonio Express-News, "5 herbs you probably aren’t using (but should be)," 11 Apr. 2018
Beijing, which has issued a $3 billion list of U.S. goods including pork and apples for possible retaliation, requested 60 days of consultations as a first step.

— BostonGlobe.com, "China appears to offer United States trade concessions," 11 Apr. 2018
Among the highlights will be hayrides through the orchard to see the apple blossoms, a spring flower sale, local vendors and the Cider Hill children’s train.

— dan kelly, kansascity, "KC events April 12-18: Royals, Sporting KC, Kevin Nealon, Rhea Butcher," 10 Apr. 2018
On Monday, China placed fees on a wide range of U.S. products, including scrap aluminum, sparkling wine and apples.

— sean rossman, azcentral, "What is a trade war? And why is Trump targeting China?," 6 Apr. 2018
Whether introduced by accident or design, foreign species such as New Guinea flatworms, South American apple snails, and Amazonian water hyacinths can trigger a cascade of environmental fallouts affecting fragile local ecosystems.

— tibor krausz, The Christian Science Monitor, "Why this Thai businessman was named a ‘biodiversity hero’," 4 Apr. 2018
Desserts include a warm chocolate brownie and warm apple crisp.

— donald liebenson, Lake County News-Sun, "Greenwood in Highwood: Suburban hang with a city vibe," 4 Apr. 2018
Trading volume in the first week lagged two other recent commodity debuts, nickel on the Shanghai Futures Exchange in March 2015 and apples on the Zhengzhou Commodity Exchange in December.

— Bloomberg.com, "China Seeks Goldilocks Moment in Oil: How Futures Debuts Compare," 2 Apr. 2018
For his 8-month update, Tori shared a few of her crawling son’s milestones — including his love of avocados and apples.

— natalie stone, PEOPLE.com, "'Such a Little Swimmer!' Jackson Roloff 'Loved His First Time in a Big Kids Pool' with Mom Tori," 28 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'apple.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of apple

Middle English appel, from Old English æppel; akin to Old High German apful apple, Old Irish ubull, Old Church Slavonic ablŭko

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

See Words from the same year

Other Food Terms

Reuben, calamari, chuck, curry, edamame, foie gras, hummus, leaven, nonpareil, peel

APPLE Defined for English Language Learners

apple

noun

Definition of apple for English Language Learners

: a round fruit with red, yellow, or green skin and firm white flesh

APPLE Defined for Kids

apple

noun ap·ple \ ˈa-pəl \

Definition of apple for Students

: a round or oval fruit with red, yellow, or green skin and white flesh that grows on a spreading tree related to the rose

Medical Dictionary

apple

noun ap·ple \ ˈap-əl \

medical Definition of apple

: the fleshy usually rounded and red, yellow, or green edible pome fruit of a tree (genus Malus) of the rose family; also : an apple tree

Learn More about apple

See words that rhyme with apple Spanish Central: Translation of apple Nglish: Translation of apple for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of apple for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about apple

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Definition of apple

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Origin and Etymology of apple

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APPLE Defined for English Language Learners

apple

Definition of apple for English Language Learners

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apple

Definition of apple for Students

Medical Dictionary

apple

medical Definition of apple

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APPLE Defined for English Language Learners

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