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

That said, “it’s a work in progress,” said Jack Maypole, a pediatrician at Boston Medical Center and father to three.

From Washington Post • Mar. 14, 2020

The meeting was held in the Maypole pub next to the ADC theatre, home of the Footlights.

From The Guardian • Oct. 26, 2019

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

From Golf Digest • Apr. 2, 2013

Saturday-Sunday, Maypole dance and May Queen, 4:30 p.m.; lunch available noon-3 p.m., dinner banquet, 6 p.m.

From Seattle Times • May 2, 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