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

But these enhance and do not obscure the core identity of the rye, allowing notes of vanilla, maple, black pepper, and oak to shine through as well. — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 20 Sep. 2026

Add the maple leaves to your setup, or opt for black eucalyptus. — Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Sep. 2026

Other woods, like maple and pine, will turn more yellow or honey-colored with sun exposure. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 13 Sep. 2026

On these brisk fall days, the train passes vibrant maple, oak, and river birch trees. — Acacia Gabriel, Travel + Leisure, 11 Sep. 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