Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
×

apple

noun, often attributive ap·ple \ ˈa-pəl \
|Updated on: 22 Jun 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

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

Other Food Terms

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

Phrases Related to APPLE

Related Phrases

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

  1. 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

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up apple? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

WORD OF THE DAY

effigy

play

a figure representing a hated person

Get Word of the Day daily email!

TRENDING NOW

  1. asylum 'protection from arrest and extradition given especially to political refugees'

  2. insubordinate 'disobedient to authority'

  3. promulgate 'to make known by open declaration'

  4. epochal 'momentous or unparalleled'

  5. clemency 'merciful treatment of someone who could be given harsh punishment'

SEE ALL

BROWSE DICTIONARY

apple

Test Your Vocabulary

Words for Summer: A Quiz

  • a-closeup-of-a-sunflower
  • Which of the following words means “of or relating to summer”?
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
SCRABBLE® Sprint

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games