maple

[ mey-puhl ]

noun

1. any of numerous trees or shrubs of the genus Acer, species of which are grown as shade or ornamental trees, for timber, or for sap. Compare maple family.
2. the wood of any such tree.
3. the flavor of maple syrup or maple sugar.
4. Bowling Slang. pin ( def 12 ).

maple

/ ˈmeɪpəl /

noun

1. any tree or shrub of the N temperate genus Acer, having winged seeds borne in pairs and lobed leaves: family Aceraceae
2. the hard close-grained wood of any of these trees, used for furniture and flooring
3. the flavour of the sap of the sugar maple

Other Words From

• maple·like adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of maple¹

before 900; Middle English mapel, Old English mapul-, in mapultrēow, mapulder maple tree, cognate with Old Saxon mapulder

Word History and Origins

Origin of maple¹

C14: from Old English mapel-, as in mapeltrēow maple tree

Example Sentences

Never before has French toast with bacon and maple syrup tasted so good.

From BBC

Well-known trees such as magnolias are among the most threatened, with oaks, maple and ebonies also at risk.

From BBC

Along the way, we’ll be on the lookout for native trees, like bigleaf maples and black walnut trees, that change colors with the season.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s enhanced with maple syrup, vanilla and stevia, along with sea moss, organic coconut cream and an organic strawberry glaze.

From Salon

After the Martinezes moved in, they received a letter from one of the original owners’ sons regarding the property’s Japanese maple trees.

From Los Angeles Times