sapele

American  

[suh-pee-lee] / səˈpi li /

noun

1. Also called aboudikro.  the mahoganylike wood of any of several African trees of the genus Entandrophragma, used for making furniture.

2. a tree, especially Entandrophragma cylindricum, of the mahogany family, yielding this wood.

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sapele British  

/ səˈpiːlɪ /

noun

1. any of several W African meliaceous trees of the genus Entandrophragma, esp E. cylindricum, yielding a hard timber resembling mahogany

2. the timber obtained from such a tree, used to make furniture

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Etymology

Origin of sapele

First recorded in 1900–05; after Sapele, a port on the Benin River in S Nigeria

Compare meaning

How does sapele compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• African mahogany vs. sapele

Example Sentences

The floor and wall cladding are made from sapele, a sustainably harvested African wood.

From New York Times • Oct. 7, 2022

Wag & Wood Cheese Slicer: This handsome solid-wood cheese board, in walnut, sapele or maple, is handcrafted in Carnation, with a built-in wire slicer and beeswax finish that makes it part tool, part centerpiece.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 10, 2021

Though custom-clad in dark sapele wood that mimics the richness of mahogany, the place isn’t fancy, but it’s no dive bar either.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 19, 2017

The smooth, quiet ride is appreciated topside, but most important, inside, when you are surrounded by the luxurious interior of satin-finished cherry with sapele and teak accents and classic moldings.

From Time Magazine Archive

Some headed for the plush couches in the comfortable, contemporary Asian-themed saloon�a restful space graced with sapele mahogany, ebony accents and stunning views.

From Time Magazine Archive