apple

noun

ap·​ple ˈa-pəl 

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

Now, the bakery produces half a dozen varieties that resemble pears, red and green apples, oranges, raspberries and mangoes. —Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2025

Complete with a chicken coop, apple orchard, two swimming pools, a wellness center, bicycles for hire, and nearby hiking trails, there’s plenty to do here. —Wendy Altschuler, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025

Ingredients like aloe vera and apple pectin also cushion and soothe the digestive tract to help ensure a comfortable detox without the cramping and upset. —Brianna Peters, Vogue, 30 June 2025

Speaking of, the fruity flavor of champagne vinegar is my preference, but white wine, apple cider, rice, or even balsamic vinegar will all work instead. —Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 28 June 2025

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

Phrases Containing apple

• Adam's apple
• apple butter
• apple-cheeked
• apple-knocker
• apple maggot
• apple-pie
• apple-polish
• apple scab
• (as) American as apple pie
• bad apple
• candy apple
• cedar-apple rust
• crab apple
• custard apple
• in apple-pie order
• lady apple
• love apple
• oak apple
• star apple
• sugar apple
• the apple of someone's eye
• thorn apple
• upset the apple cart

Rhymes for apple

• appal
• chapel
• dapple
• grapple
• pineapple

Kids Definition

apple

noun

ap·​ple ˈap-əl 

: 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 

: 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