maypole

noun

may·​pole ˈmā-ˌpōl How to pronounce maypole (audio)
often capitalized
: a tall flower-wreathed pole forming a center for May Day sports and dances

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Rudi and Elke erected a homemade maypole (a tall wooden pole traditionally used in European folk festivals) in their yard in Bavaria, topped with a picture of their family. Francesca Street, CNN, 17 Jan. 2023 Scientists at the University of California, Los Angeles, have watched their maypole dance for more than 20 years. Sarah Scoles, Discover Magazine, 6 Jan. 2019 Depending on the species, the arrays can take the form of an avenue or maypole or even a stage to perform his enthusiastic, and hopefully alluring, dance movements for the females. Discover Magazine, 8 Nov. 2011 While Los Angeles staggers through its driest 23-year period in 1,200 years, the sculpture is a disconcertingly festive maypole that is simultaneously brutal and sad. Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 22 Aug. 2022 Highlights will also include an aerial artist, a giant oak tree flanked with maypole dancers, a huge moving wedding cake sounding out Bollywood hits, a towering dragon and three-story-high beasts. Janine Henni, PEOPLE.com, 5 June 2022 Then Cameron arrives and brings up the drug cabinet again, but Hope hustles him to the maypole to avoid that conversation with Doc. Sara Netzley, EW.com, 20 July 2022 Highlights will also include an aerial artist, a giant oak tree flanked with maypole dancers, a huge moving wedding cake sounding out Bollywood hits, a towering dragon and three-story-high beasts. Janine Henni, PEOPLE.com, 5 June 2022 Highlights will also include an aerial artist, a giant oak tree flanked with maypole dancers, a huge moving wedding cake sounding out Bollywood hits, a towering dragon and three-story-high beasts. Janine Henni, PEOPLE.com, 5 June 2022 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'maypole.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1529, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of maypole was in 1529

Dictionary Entries Near maypole

Cite this Entry

“Maypole.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/maypole. Accessed 31 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

maypole

noun
may·​pole ˈmā-ˌpōl How to pronounce maypole (audio)
often capitalized
: a tall pole decorated with ribbons and flowers that forms a center for May Day sports and dances
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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