maple
Americannoun
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any of numerous trees or shrubs of the genus Acer, species of which are grown as shade or ornamental trees, for timber, or for sap.
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the wood of any such tree.
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the flavor of maple syrup or maple sugar.
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Bowling Slang. pin.
noun
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any tree or shrub of the N temperate genus Acer, having winged seeds borne in pairs and lobed leaves: family Aceraceae
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the hard close-grained wood of any of these trees, used for furniture and flooring
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the flavour of the sap of the sugar maple
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of maple
before 900; Middle English mapel, Old English mapul-, in mapultrēow, mapulder maple tree, cognate with Old Saxon mapulder
Explanation
While most people think of syrup when they see the word maple, it actually describes any tree or shrub in the Acer family with unique winged seeds that come in pairs. The wood from maple trees is prized for its strength and beauty, making it perfect for furniture and flooring. In addition to their stunning fall colors, maple trees produce sweet sap, especially from the sugar maple, which is used to make delicious maple syrup. The maple leaf is a symbol of Canada, proudly featured on the country's flag. Maple trees are appreciated for their practical uses and their natural beauty, making them a valuable part of nature.
Vocabulary lists containing maple
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He grew potatoes, kept bees, made maple syrup and taught school three months each year.
From Barron's • Apr. 13, 2026
They shared some maple cookies brought by Canadian Space Agency and Artemis II mission specialist astronaut Jeremy Hansen.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026
The finished product is indulgent and addictive, flavoring the humble chia seed with freshly brewed Thai tea, maple syrup and vanilla extract, alongside a dollop of homemade coconut whipped cream.
From Salon • Mar. 31, 2026
The Canadian will also be taking maple syrup and maple cookies on his lunar voyage.
From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026
The bear smelled the morning’s moose meat stew Omakayas had eaten, the wild onion seasoning and the dusty bit of maple sugar from Old Tallow stuck to the inside of her pocket.
From "The Birchbark House" by Louise Erdrich
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
