apple

play

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

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

Other prices are identical, or close to it: Organic Gala apples cost a non-whopping 4 cents more at Whole Foods than at the 365 version.

— bethany jean clement, The Seattle Times, "Grocery store showdown: In the Amazon + Whole Foods era, where’s it cheapest to shop?," 30 Aug. 2017
Elk apple sausage with cheese grits served with Disruption Cabernet Sauvignon follows, with a bison and pork meat loaf with sweet potato biscuit and demi-glace paired with Latta Malbec next.

— dana mcmahan, The Courier-Journal, "Pappy alert! This is your chance to snag a bottle of Van Winkle Family Reserve 23 Year," 30 Aug. 2017
In blender, combine the peaches, ginger syrup, orange juice and apple liquor.

— ann maloney, NOLA.com, "A twist to Labor Day grilling party menus, from cocktails to dessert," 30 Aug. 2017
Put the zest in a food processor with the strawberries, apples and kiwi.

— milwaukee, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Strawberry Fruit Salsa," 29 Aug. 2017
Organic Fuji apples are marked down to $1.99 from $2.99 a pound, and bananas are now 49 cents, down from 79 cents a pound.

— katherine peralta, charlotteobserver, "Amazon is already heating up Charlotte’s grocery competition," 28 Aug. 2017
Wilke said that Amazon would lower prices Monday on foods including organic apples, avocados, bananas, eggs, and kale, as well as certain forms of salmon and beef.

— alana abramson, Fortune, "Here’s How Much Cheaper Whole Foods Groceries Are Today," 28 Aug. 2017
Toss with 1 cup each cucumber, fennel and apple, all cut into uniform 1/2-inch pieces.

— martha stewart, star-telegram, "Martha’s projects tackle headboards, backpacks and savory snacks," 26 Aug. 2017
The palate has a hint of musk, red berries, and Earl Grey, with a crunchy red apple texture.

— krisanne fordham, CNT, "The 15 Best Rosé Wines from Around the World, According to Sommeliers," 24 Aug. 2017

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

play

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

play

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

play

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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APPLE Defined for English Language Learners

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Definition of apple for English Language Learners

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Definition of apple for Students

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apple

medical Definition of apple

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