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

Current owner Christopher Mackenzie has since invested over $1 million, adding security gates, air conditioning, and a separate cottage, while enhancing the grounds with maples, a golden birch, and cherry trees. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 17 Apr. 2025

Autumn is my favorite season in Cuyahoga Valley, as the oaks, hickories, and maples explode with fall colors. —Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 13 Apr. 2025

This custom cooking prezzie is made from cherry or maple wood (your call) and can be engraved with a scan of any handwritten recipe card—a sweet nod to family tradition. —Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 13 Apr. 2025

These special maples again caught the eyes of enthusiasts. —Neil Sperry, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Apr. 2025

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