aspen

noun

as·​pen ˈa-spən 

: any of several poplars (especially Populus tremula of Europe and P. tremuloides and P. grandidentata of North America) with leaves that flutter in the lightest wind because of their flattened petioles

Examples of aspen in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Greenstone Ridge Trail follows the high central ridge to traverse the length of the island, running through forests of maple and birch, fir and aspen. —Grayson Haver Currin, Outside Online, 7 July 2024

But some of the region’s best hiking routes are actually outside of the park, including this 2.8-mile out-and-back route (5.6 miles round trip) through the towering aspens and pines of Lion Gulch. —Sarah Kuta, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Mar. 2024

Pitkin Creek Trail also leads to views of a glistening waterfall after about 3 miles of reasonably strenuous initial climbing through aspen glades, lodgepole pine, and wildflower meadow. —Shauna Farnell, The Denver Post, 3 July 2024

Visitors can find aspen, pine and fir trees in its sky islands. —Eve Chen, USA TODAY, 27 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, of an aspen, from asp aspen, from Old English æspe; akin to Old High German aspa aspen, Russian osina

First Known Use

1593, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing aspen

• quaking aspen

Kids Definition

aspen

noun

as·​pen ˈas-pən 

: any of several poplars with leaves that flutter in the lightest breeze

Geographical Definition

Aspen

geographical name

As·​pen ˈa-spən 

resort city in west central Colorado population 6658