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

Campsites are scattered about the national park; my favorite was at Upper Lehman Campground, 7,500 feet elevation, with a nearby creek and tons of aspens. —Julia Duin, Outside Online, 6 June 2025

Columnar Swedish aspen offers the pleasant sound of fluttering leaves in the slightest breeze as well as pretty butter-yellow fall foliage of the species. —Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 June 2025

At the water’s edge, a 108-square-foot cube holds a sauna with a curved aspen wood bench and Nero Marquina marble tiles, as well as a laundry area. —Tim McKeough, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025

Peak wildflower season in the high alpine environment is likely about a month away, but wildflowers at lower elevations in the high country are popping amid luxuriant green meadows and aspen trees aglow with brilliant chartreuse leaves. —John Meyer, Denver Post, 12 June 2025

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