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
see also:

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.
Using a dual-sided brush, Bieber started by applying her pocket blush in the raspberry pink shade teacup across her cheekbone and the bridge of her nose before adding a touch of candy apple red to the highpoint of the apple of her cheek before blending out. Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 8 Mar. 2026 Sweet scallops are dressed in a punchy yuzu and apple vinaigrette and served over a crunchy tostada. Restaurant Critic, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2026 Proponents claim that an unfiltered apple cider vinegar shot each morning taken straight or diluted with water, can help with digestion, bloating, blood sugar control, appetite suppression, and give you a metabolism boost. Emilee Coblentz, Outside, 8 Mar. 2026 In the jar of a blender, combine pear, apple cider vinegar, apple cider, rice vinegar, honey, Tabasco and salt and process until smooth. C.w. Cameron, AJC.com, 7 Mar. 2026 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 14 Mar. 2026.

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

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