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

With its zingy lemon icing and subtle mix of warm spices, vanilla, maple, and citrus, this is no ordinary zucchini cake. —Ginger Crichton, Midwest Living, 17 May 2026

Natural fibers and hues of terracotta and maple decorate the property’s 134 rooms, which either face the beach or the hills. —Skyli Alvarez, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 May 2026

The palate leads with Beam’s signature nutty flavor, along with large doses of oak, vanilla, caramel, custard, and maple, and then leans into flavors like ripe berry, orange, molasses, and dark chocolate. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 17 May 2026

Planters containing other trees and perennials, including hazel, hawthorn, field maples, ferns, and grasses, will continue the forest theme through the colonnade to the main entrance. —Anne Doran, ARTnews.com, 14 May 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