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.

---

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

---

Etymology

Origin of Maypole

First recorded in 1545–55; May + pole ¹

Example Sentences

She swept in one wide, swift circle around the whole of the boat, hovered for a moment at the top of the mast, and then spiraled down, looping the mast like a maypole, with such ease that even Warren let out a roar of pleasure.

From Literature

The group worked with local straw craft workers to produce large straw maypole toppers which were then used as part of the set.

From BBC

Consequently you may well still need the sun-cream for that trip around the maypole or outdoor VE Day anniversary celebrations.

From BBC

Joshua Hillstead, from Maypole, Birmingham, was pulled from the River Arrow in Alcester on Monday evening and received specialist trauma care at the scene.

From BBC

I detailed my near-worship of “A Time to Keep,” my attempts to replicate the Pumpkin House of “The Dolls’ Christmas,” the wonky maypole I had rigged up in the yard.

From New York Times