maple

noun

ma·​ple ˈmā-pəl 

: any of a genus (Acer of the family Aceraceae, the maple 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

Pear, apple, maple, and cherry trees grow, and families of ducks, foxes, geese, and deer populate the area. —Rachel Chang, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Apr. 2024

Sample maple beer, collect sap in the sugarbush and enjoy games and activities for all ages. —Luann Gibbs, The Enquirer, 18 Feb. 2024

Brunch happens on Sundays with live gospel or jazz music, along with brunch staples like shrimp and grits and fun items like candied maple bacon. —Brittney Oliver, Essence, 28 May 2024

Popular High Grounds blends in flavors like Irish cream, Snickerdoodle and Vermont maple, rotate on and off the cafe’s menu each month, but bags of those beans are available to buy anytime. —Amanda Yeager, Baltimore Sun, 3 May 2024

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

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