aspen

noun

as·​pen ˈa-spən 

: any of several poplars (especially Populus tremula of Europe and P. tremuloides and P. grandidentata of North America) with leaves that flutter in the lightest wind because of their flattened petioles

Examples of aspen in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Here, the mild-mannered river runs through sandstone canyons, rolling sandhills, and forests of aspen and birch. —Graham Averill, Outside, 11 Aug. 2025

But the whisky never strays too far from its wood-spiced core, with restrained elements of aspen, pine, birch, and cedar wood. —David Thomas Tao, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025

Below the striking peaks, the mighty Snake River meanders through a sagebrush valley dotted with aspen and pine. —Michael Hodges, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2025

Scientists had previously surveyed 87 aspen stands in northern Yellowstone in 2012. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, of an aspen, from asp aspen, from Old English æspe; akin to Old High German aspa aspen, Russian osina

First Known Use

1593, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing aspen

• quaking aspen

Kids Definition

aspen

noun

as·​pen ˈas-pən 

: any of several poplars with leaves that flutter in the lightest breeze

Geographical Definition

Aspen

geographical name

As·​pen ˈa-spən 

resort city in west central Colorado population 6658