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

There’s the Santa Fe National Forest Scenic Byway, which winds through 16 miles of aspen-evergreen woodlands. — Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 10 Sep. 2026

Mountain towns and state parks along the Front Range are preparing for one of the busiest seasons of the year, when leaf-peepers arrive to bask in the glory of golden aspen trees. — Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 3 Sep. 2026

Drive through Grand Teton National Park to look for color around Oxbow Bend and along the Snake River, or hike beneath aspens on trails closer to Teton Village. — Brittany Anas, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026

Similarly, the Gondola at Telluride Mountain Village in southwest Colorado allows visitors to take in golden aspens from 10,800 feet above and can be used to access various hiking trails. — Jessica Sulima, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Aug. 2026

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