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

For example, the restaurant’s maple syrup is pure maple, rather than a corn syrup substitute. — Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 10 Nov. 2026

Cylburn Arboretum has not only a spectacular collection of maple trees in full glory but also a striking stone sculpture of a samara set in the ground, mere footsteps from the Vollmer Center. — Carl R. Gold, Baltimore Sun, 8 Nov. 2026

Pumpkin Maple Drizzle Cakes As if a moist pumpkin loaf weren’t enough, this one is drenched in a soaking liquid of orange juice sweetened with maple syrup, and drizzled in a maple glaze. — Carolynn Carreño, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026

The 756-square-foot home had been renovated with wide-plank maple floors, a kitchen with quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances, and an open living and dining area. — Heather Senison, New York Times, 5 Nov. 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