poplar

[ pop-ler ]

noun

1. any of the rapidly growing, salicaceous trees of the genus Populus, usually characterized by the columnar or spirelike manner of growth of its branches.
2. the light, soft wood of any of these trees, used for pulp.
3. any of various similar trees, as the tulip tree.
4. the wood of any such tree.

poplar

/ ˈpɒplə /

noun

1. any tree of the salicaceous genus Populus, of N temperate regions, having triangular leaves, flowers borne in catkins, and light soft wood See also aspen balsam poplar Lombardy poplar white poplar
2. any of various trees resembling the true poplars, such as the tulip tree
3. the wood of any of these trees

Other Words From

• poplared adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of poplar¹

1350–1400; Middle English popler ( e ), variant of populer, equivalent to Middle English, Old English popul popple ² (< Latin pōpulus poplar) + -er -er ²; suffix apparently added on model of Middle French pouplier, equivalent to pouple poplar + -ier -ier ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of poplar¹

C14: from Old French poplier, from pouple, from Latin pōpulus

Example Sentences

When rarer trees are found, like wild service, black poplar and juniper, seed is taken for growing in polytunnels and outdoors at the nursery until they are ready to be planted.

From BBC

Senior Coroner Mary Hassell ruled at Poplar Coroner's Court that Ezedi, who was found just beneath Chelsea Bridge, died from suicide and drowned.

From BBC

"Firefighters from Plaistow, Poplar, East Ham and surrounding fire stations are attending the scene," the spokesperson added.

From BBC

The next evening, she returned to the cottage on Poplar Boulevard.

From Los Angeles Times

Merritt was driving to a nearby Target when she first noticed the snug two bedroom on Poplar Boulevard with a “For Rent” sign posted in the yard.

From Los Angeles Times