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

Before the event, Laurie Metanchuk, community engagement director for the Kane County Forest Preserve District, said this was the 31st year for the celebration and confirmed that the warm temperatures predicted over the weekend would get the maple sap flowing. —David Sharos, Chicago Tribune, 9 Mar. 2026

Massaging the kale turns the leaves into silky pieces that soak up the sweet-savory maple dressing. —Lizzy Briskin, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Mar. 2026

This deciduous tree, commonly found in urban environments, is known as field maple. —Steve Bender, Southern Living, 8 Mar. 2026

In other words, say goodbye to the Oriole, New York’s pinstripes and the Olde English D and say hello to stars and stripes, maple leaves and some unexpected color. —Johnny Flores Jr, New York Times, 6 Mar. 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