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

Waves of maple and molasses and sweet bourbon notes mingle with honey and fig and dates, culminating in a lovely, long, fruity finish. —Tony Sachs, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024

The cake boasts several layers of delicate vanilla sponge, along with a topping of creamy brown butter mousse, a middle layer of maple mousse, and a final layer of crispy caramely pecan. —Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 20 Oct. 2024

These maples are compact, usually under 25 feet tall, grow slowly, seldom overtake a space. —Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Oct. 2024

Less drought-resistant trees like maples and sycamores are most likely to be changing. —Alissa Widman Neese, Axios, 27 Sep. 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