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

There is a sweetness from the maple wood barrel, but that is balanced by notes of spiced nuts, apple, pear, cherry, orange, oak, and cinnamon. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 31 July 2025

Western diamondbacks are most commonly found along canyon rims, where limestone formations meet dense maple and oak forests. —Brandi D. Addison, Austin American Statesman, 31 July 2025

For light wood floors, such as oak or maple, designers suggest leaning into warm, earthy shades. —Sophie Flaxman, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 July 2025

The Boll & Branch is more than durable linens, the Wood Frame bed is artisan-made of solid wood with maple and beechwood veneers that uses low VOC stains (oak-like bluff and dark espresso brown). —Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 22 July 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