maple

noun

ma·​ple ˈmā-pəl How to pronounce maple (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Choose from natural maple beech or playful hues like apple red, lime green, and sky blue. — Vy Yang, Architectural Digest, 31 July 2026 Mid-October often brings the brightest displays in Oregon, while in Washington, color generally develops during September and October, with mountain larches turning first and lower-elevation maples reaching their best color later in the season. — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 30 July 2026 When the maple leaves turn red and temples or mountain areas are illuminated at night, the landscape feels almost unreal. — Shivani Vora, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026 In our area oaks, maples, willows, cherry and elms have more of a tendency to form burls than other tree species. — Pamm Cooper, Hartford Courant, 25 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for maple

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of maple was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing maple

Rhymes for maple

See All Rhymes for maple

Browse Nearby Words

map crack
maple
maple bladder-gall mite
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Maple.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/maple. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

maple

noun
ma·​ple ˈmā-pəl How to pronounce maple (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on maple

Nglish: Translation of maple for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about maple

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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