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

The Florentine Renaissance artist, engineer and polymath made the most famous picture of all time, a painted poplar panel that hangs in virtual isolation in the Salle des États at Paris’ Louvre Museum.

From Los Angeles Times

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

Five missiles hit the facility that day, and workers were still clearing away rubble on Tuesday as snow-like tufts of poplar cotton fell through a hole in the roof.

From Seattle Times

At first, we ran through the poplar grove to catch up to the caravan on the far side.

From Literature

In Washington, native plants like willows and poplar trees are also larval hosts for many native butterflies.

From Seattle Times