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

Kim’s desk in the family room is hewn from maple with a top made by local ceramic artist Minseon Kim. — Hannah Martin, Architectural Digest, 14 Aug. 2026

The visit opened with a photocall at a Beijing courtyard centered on a maple tree more than a 100 years old, where Thomas, Theron and Damon surprised Nolan with a birthday cake and led a serenade for the director. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 13 Aug. 2026

Jasleen Kaily, another contestant, wore a two-piece costume with brown fringes on the thighs, two braids, mukluks (a type of traditional boot worn by many Indigenous communities) and a maple leaf cutout on her back. — Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 13 Aug. 2026

The tea supplies tannins and bitterness while maple and orange recreate that familiar balance of sweet, bitter and citrus. — Ryan Brennan august 9, Kansas City Star, 9 Aug. 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