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 110-seat restaurant, like the lobby, looks as if carved out of a large aspen tree trunk with earthy tones and distressed wood slats lining the ceiling. —Lily O'Neill, The Denver Post, 11 June 2024

After winding through aspen and fir forests, the trail runs along Cascade Creek, where fly-fishers try to reel in brown, brook, and rainbow trout. —Sarah Kuta, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Mar. 2024

There are historic buildings on parts of the trail and groves of aspen trees throughout. —Mindy Sink, The Denver Post, 16 Apr. 2024

The trail is beautiful year-round but really pops in the fall, when the aspen trees turn shades of yellow, orange, and red. —Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 29 Mar. 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