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.
Cool the resulting syrup, then combine it with fresh espresso and steamed or iced milk for a maple brown sugar latte. — Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026 There are some floral notes on the palate as well, along with classic Four Roses notes of vanilla, maple, brown sugar, stone fruit, oak, and black pepper. — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 26 Aug. 2026 Additional classics like apple and maple have also already returned to menus this year. — Lauren Schuster, Charlotte Observer, 26 Aug. 2026 Banana is the surprise flavor of fall 2026, popping up on menus at chains like Starbucks and Sonic in a genuine break from traditional heavy-hitters like pumpkin, maple and apple. — Lauren Schuster, Kansas City Star, 26 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about maple

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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