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apple

noun, often attributive ap·ple \ ˈa-pəl \
|Updated on: 3 Aug 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

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