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

Tremendous mountains surge up around all of these lakes; visit in September and October for the chance to see the aspen and cottonwood leaves changing color. —Chelsee Lowe, Travel + Leisure, 25 May 2026

Sometimes the aspen leaves are blooming or changing color. —Shauna Farnell, Denver Post, 25 May 2026

As for where to look, Holmgren has the best luck finding black morels in and around stands of aspen — more commonly known as popple in Minnesota. —Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 13 May 2026

Certain Species of Trees Not all types of trees are going to pose issues in your backyard, but Manning advises steering clear of certain aspens, willows, and silver maples. —Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 14 Apr. 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 population 6658