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

The deck itself is an ABS plastic/glass fibe/maple composite with the top skinned in a traditional layer of black grip material. —William Roberson, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024

The bottom layer has a toffee-like texture with the caramel-y flavors of a maple candy and a gentle sugar-crystal crunch. —Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 17 Oct. 2024

The brew: Basic Witch pumpkin ale, 5.5% ABV, 30 IBU Field Brewing's pumpkin red ale combines pumpkins, tamarind, Belgian candi sugar and maple and fig syrups to create an intensely autumnal dessert beer. —Bradley Hohulin, The Indianapolis Star, 11 Oct. 2024

The decorative maple tree with 24 LED lights and realistic leaves is a warm, cozy, and versatile decorative piece, needing no outlet thanks to its battery power. —Hyphensocial Contributors, Rolling Stone, 5 Oct. 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