maple

noun

ma·​ple ˈmā-pəl 

: any of a genus (Acer of the family Sapindaceae, the soapberry family) of chiefly deciduous trees or shrubs with opposite leaves and a fruit of two united samaras

also : the hard light-colored close-grained wood of a maple used especially for flooring and furniture

Examples of maple in a Sentence

The maple leaf is an emblem of Canada.

a table made of maple

Recent Examples on the Web

Hartford was experiencing a 10 out of 12 for pollen counts, with top allergens including birch, maple and oak pollens. —Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 29 May 2026

This is a rum that sips well beyond its relatively low strength, with deep notes of cherry, chocolate, maple, spice, and oak on the palate. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 29 May 2026

Savory, nutty Gruyère cheese is a perfect complement to the soft sweetness of the maple butter slathered onto the slices of bread before the whole thing hits the panini press. —Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 28 May 2026

Honey maple ham, hot dogs, bratwurst. —Nate Sylves, CBS News, 27 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English mapul-; akin to Old Norse mǫpurr maple

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing maple

• bird's-eye maple
• hard maple
• Japanese maple
• maple sugar
• maple syrup
• Norway maple
• red maple
• rock maple
• silver maple
• sugar maple
• tiger maple
• vine maple

Rhymes for maple

• papal
• staple

Kids Definition

maple

noun

ma·​ple ˈmā-pəl 

: any of a group of trees having deeply notched opposite leaves, dry fruits with two wings, and hard light-colored wood and including some from which maple syrup and maple sugar are obtained

also : the wood of a maple