apple

noun

ap·​ple ˈa-pəl How to pronounce apple (audio)
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
Phrases
apple of one's eye
: one that is highly cherished
his daughter is the apple of his eye

Examples of apple in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The bristles are neither too floppy nor too stiff, neither too long nor too short, and are cut to the perfect rounded shape that’s just right for swirling pigment over the apples or spreading it along your cheekbones—without having to work too hard for a completely natural finish. Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025 Highlights include German food ranging from bratwurst with sauerkraut to potato salad and apple strudel and a Bavarian biergarten with various beers and wines along with stein-holding and yodeling contests. Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Sep. 2025 Many studies have been performed on animals or have involved apple supplements rather than whole fruit. Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 16 Sep. 2025 Ground cloves gives this spice cake its warm and comforting fall flavor, while grated apples create a super moist crumb. Patricia S York, Southern Living, 16 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for apple

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of apple was before the 12th century

Cite this Entry

“Apple.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/apple. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

apple

noun
ap·​ple ˈap-əl How to pronounce apple (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce apple (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on apple

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