Maypole

American  

[mey-pohl] / ˈmeɪˌpoʊl /

noun

(often lowercase)

1. a tall pole, decorated with flowers and ribbons, around which people dance or engage in sports during May Day celebrations.

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maypole British  

/ ˈmeɪˌpəʊl /

noun

1. a tall pole fixed upright in an open space during May-Day celebrations, around which people dance holding streamers attached at its head

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Etymology

Origin of Maypole

First recorded in 1545–55; May + pole ¹

Example Sentences

Maypole, who also is a cartoonist, has been illustrating tips and advice about the virus that can be found on Twitter.

From Washington Post • Mar. 14, 2020

Scandinavian arts and crafts vendors will be on hand; kids activities will include a costume parade, and a Maypole raising will be held at 2 p.m.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 19, 2013

T-shirts -- swarmed around the grinning golfer as if he were a Maypole.

From Golf Digest • Apr. 2, 2013

A gilded Maypole had been set up in the river gardens on a square of turf which was enclosed by the famous Provencal rose bushes, already tipped with coral buds.

From The Guardian • May 21, 2012

One day in early April, during recess, Mrs. Butler ushered us outside on the playground and measured us for the Maypole dance.

From "March Forward, Girl" by Melba Pattillo Beals