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

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

As Arizonans head to the peaks to hike among the golden yellow aspens, Richardson says fall foliage could be at risk from the effects of warmer, drier conditions and other changes to the climate. —Hayleigh Evans, The Arizona Republic, 23 Oct. 2024

Here in Colorado, autumn is a blip, a frantic shoulder season that usually includes one nightmarish day stuck in I-70 traffic with my kids, all of us racing to Kenosha Pass, hoping to arrive before the last aspen leaves drop. —Jamie Siebrase, The Denver Post, 6 Oct. 2024

There might be a butterfly flittering about barren aspen trunks. —Ray Mark Rinaldi, Denver Post, 28 Apr. 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