apple

noun

ap·​ple ˈa-pəl How to pronounce apple (audio)
often attributive
1
: the fleshy, usually rounded red, yellow, or green edible pome fruit of a usually cultivated tree (genus Malus) of the rose family
also : an apple tree compare crab apple
2
: a fruit (such as a star apple) or other vegetative growth (such as an oak apple) suggestive of an apple
Phrases
apple of one's eye
: one that is highly cherished
his daughter is the apple of his eye

Examples of apple in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Parents can order signature holiday cocktails, while children and grownups who abstain can enjoy hot chocolate and apple cider. Margaux Lushing, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 Every Christmas, the family decorated a tree with apples, as was the German custom. Jennifer Wilson, The New Yorker, 4 Nov. 2024 Inside, a cozy mid-century interior awaits, as does a wood-burning stove—perfect for heating up some hot apple cider. Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 3 Nov. 2024 The family-run business in Denver’s Mayfair neighborhood offers classic flavors like strawberry and watermelon, but also has fall flavors currently, like caramel apple. Jonathan Shikes, The Denver Post, 1 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for apple 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English appel, from Old English æppel; akin to Old High German apful apple, Old Irish ubull, Old Church Slavic ablŭko

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of apple was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near apple

Cite this Entry

“Apple.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/apple. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

apple

noun
ap·​ple ˈap-əl How to pronounce apple (audio)
: a rounded fruit with a red, yellow, or green skin, firm white flesh and a seedy core
also : the tree of the rose family that bears this fruit

Medical Definition

apple

noun
ap·​ple ˈap-əl How to pronounce apple (audio)
: the fleshy usually rounded and red, yellow, or green edible pome fruit of a tree (genus Malus) of the rose family
also : an apple tree

More from Merriam-Webster on apple

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