maypole

noun

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

Examples of maypole in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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David Bowen, the Wellness Director at Grace Bay Club, led families in traditional dance, telling us how to weave over and under each other around a maypole. Kareema Bee, Parents, 31 Dec. 2025 Find different ways to honor the natural world around you, whether that be planting flowers or plants, making flower crowns with your family and friends, or making your own version of a maypole. Greta Cross, USA Today, 2 May 2025 Several traditions have become synonymous with May Day, including festivals and maypoles twirled with brightly colored ribbons. Valerie Fraser Luesse, Southern Living, 24 Apr. 2025 Kids will have the opportunity to make May baskets, create nature sun prints, participate in a gardening project and play some traditional outdoor games, as well as dance around the maypole at the 9 a.m. to noon event on May 3. Heather McRea, Oc Register, 3 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for maypole

Word History

First Known Use

1529, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of maypole was in 1529

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Cite this Entry

“Maypole.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/maypole. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.

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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