apple

noun

ap·​ple ˈa-pəl 

often attributive

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

see also:

apple of one's eye

Examples of apple in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For smaller yards, consider dwarf or semi-dwarf varieties, such as the disease-resistant Baldwin apple. —Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 22 Feb. 2026

Fresh or frozen berries, sliced bananas, apples, cinnamon, cocoa powder and honey are popular additions. —Daryl Austin, USA Today, 21 Feb. 2026

The chocolate and caramel of the candy is balanced by the crisp green apples. —Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 21 Feb. 2026

Nut Butter on Apple Slices A thin layer of almond or peanut butter on apple slices combines fiber, healthy fats, and just a little natural sweetness. —Lauren Manaker Ms, Health, 20 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing apple

• Adam's apple
• apple butter
• apple-cheeked
• apple-knocker
• apple maggot
• apple-pie
• apple-polish
• apple scab
• (as) American as apple pie
• bad apple
• candy apple
• cedar-apple rust
• crab apple
• custard apple
• in apple-pie order
• lady apple
• love apple
• oak apple
• star apple
• sugar apple
• the apple of someone's eye
• thorn apple
• upset the apple cart

Rhymes for apple

• appal
• chapel
• dapple
• grapple
• pineapple

Kids Definition

apple

noun

ap·​ple ˈap-əl 

: a rounded fruit with a red, yellow, or green skin, firm white flesh and a seedy core

also : the tree of the rose family that bears this fruit

Medical Definition

apple

noun

ap·​ple ˈap-əl 

: 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