May apple

or Mayapple

noun

1. an American plant, Podophyllum peltatum, of the barberry family, bearing an edible, yellowish, egg-shaped fruit.
2. the fruit itself.

May apple

noun

1. an American berberidaceous plant, Podophyllum peltatum, with edible yellowish egg-shaped fruit
2. the fruit of this plant

Word History and Origins

Origin of May apple¹

An Americanism dating back to 1725–35

Example Sentences

The forest now hosts a rich variety of native plants, including May apple, ferns, grasses, azaleas and magnolias.

From Washington Post

On the ground, the ivy suppresses indigenous woodland plants, including such spring beauties as trilliums, May apples and Virginia bluebells.

From Washington Post

They are referred to as May apples because colorful golf-ball-size fruit forms under the leaves.

From Seattle Times

When I am almost ready to give up, I come upon a trampled and routed garden of May apples.

From Literature

The May apples were ripe, and I stuffed on those as I went through the woods.

From Literature