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

This fan was built with weather-resistant maple blades and an energy efficient DC motor designed to provide maximum power without excess vibrations or sound. —Michelle Love, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 May 2024

One look at the restaurant’s menu reveals nods to New England: a signature Vermont maple farm burger, Maine Italian and North Shore roast beef sandwiches, Cape Cod and Northeast pickled beet salads and Boston cream pie. —Philip Freeman, Charlotte Observer, 7 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