maple

noun

ma·​ple ˈmā-pəl 

: any of a genus (Acer of the family Aceraceae, the maple 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 the judges were most impressed with Savannah's dish: squash and maple jelly cake with aronia berries, grapes and plum jelly that was completely new to them. —Buddha Lo, Peoplemag, 16 May 2024

The judges loved Dan’s resourcefulness in using so many parts of the sunflower, were wowed by Soo’s roast squash and its vibrant glaze, and adored the story Savannah’s inventive squash and maple jelly cake told. —Rachel Bernhard, Journal Sentinel, 15 May 2024

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

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