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

In late September, the aspens covering the summit turn from green to amber gold, transforming the mountainside into an astonishing display of autumn color. — Josh Jackson, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026

Following the Blackfoot River and then crossing the Continental Divide, golden aspen trees give way to wide-open fields for wheat and peas where Tester's family has farmed for over a century. — Sam Gringlas, NPR, 20 Oct. 2026

During the milder months, spend days enjoying Edmonton’s beautiful nature, canoeing on Astotin Lake or hiking through aspen forests and wetlands home to moose and bison in Elk Island National Park. — Terry Ward, Travel + Leisure, 17 Oct. 2026

And for a one-of-a-kind experience, the Ski Santa Fe resort offers chairlift rides in the fall that allow visitors to glimpse the aspens from up high. — Jeanne Bonner, CNN Money, 7 Oct. 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