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

Cobblers, fruit crisps, bread puddings, and more warm desserts with cozy flavors like cinnamon, chocolate, ginger, maple, apple, and pumpkin. —Ginger Crichton, Midwest Living, 20 Jan. 2026

Light summer trims and proper tool care keep your maple looking neat and thriving year after year. —Gemma Johnstone, The Spruce, 18 Jan. 2026

The Canadian Whisky Awards crowned six standouts for 2026—from a 24-year-old flagship to maple, PX sherry, and triple-oak experiments that show Canada’s range. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 17 Jan. 2026

The menu at Randy’s Donuts includes a selection of old-school doughnuts, including raised, buttermilk and cake doughnuts with a variety of additions — think chocolate, maple, vanilla and cherry glazes and crumb, sprinkle and sugar toppings. —Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 16 Jan. 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