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

Apple Cider Vinegar Apple cider vinegar is an acetic acid made from fermenting apple juice. —Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 9 Dec. 2025

Every home coffee spot needs plenty of mugs for coffee, hot chocolate, and fresh apple cider. —Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Dec. 2025

For any apple perfume lover, this mix of Granny Smith apples, Pink Lady apples, and apple blossom is a feast for the nose. —Jenny Berg, Allure, 9 Dec. 2025

At 34 proof, this is a mild spirit that's most often enjoyed on its own warmed, in a cocktail, or as an splash in your favorite apple cider. —Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 8 Dec. 2025

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