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

But there are also plenty of sweet and fruity notes to balance things out, including vanilla, maple, tobacco, baked apple, plum, cherry, and toasted almond flavors. — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 6 Oct. 2026

The back roads of southwest Virginia wind, crest, and plunge through lush valleys of oak, poplar, birch, and maple trees. — David Alm, Longreads, 1 Oct. 2026

During a 150-meter drop from the sky, its two rigid wingsails spin passively like a falling maple seed. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 30 Sep. 2026

At snif, shop the fall fragrance collection featuring the Pumpkin Smash candle, body whip and body wash, with notes of pumpkin spice, cinnamon stick, whiskey, brûléed orange, salted maple and roasted chocolate. — ABC News, 29 Sep. 2026

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