maple

noun

ma·​ple ˈmā-pəl 

: any of a genus (Acer of the family Sapindaceae, the soapberry 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

Tradition in Turmoil: Sugar Maple and Climate Change Nina Foster March 28, 2025 With harvests dependent on the spring freeze-thaw cycle, the maple industry is seeking ways to mitigate damage wrought by a changing climate. —The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 22 Apr. 2025

But do not forget to order the beloved DK bacon maple bar. —Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 17 Apr. 2025

Bats were made of ash until Barry Bonds used maple, and everyone else followed suit. —Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2025

Trees like oak, birch, and maple release large amounts of pollen during this time, particularly in the northern and central U.S. —Lindsay Curtis, Health, 6 Apr. 2025

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

Rhymes for maple

• papal
• staple

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