maple

American  

[mey-puhl] / ˈmeɪ pəl /

noun

1. 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.

2. the wood of any such tree.

3. the flavor of maple syrup or maple sugar.

4. Bowling Slang. pin.

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maple British  

/ ˈmeɪpəl /

noun

1. any tree or shrub of the N temperate genus Acer, having winged seeds borne in pairs and lobed leaves: family Aceraceae

2. the hard close-grained wood of any of these trees, used for furniture and flooring

3. the flavour of the sap of the sugar maple

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Other Word Forms

• maplelike adjective

Etymology

Origin of maple

before 900; Middle English mapel, Old English mapul-, in mapultrēow, mapulder maple tree, cognate with Old Saxon mapulder

Example Sentences

Then came thick-cut, tableside-smoked bacon glazed with maple and peppercorn alongside a fig-topped heirloom tomato salad.

From Salon • Mar. 7, 2026

You cannot go wrong with an old-school tahini dressing: tahini, maple syrup, garlic, lemon juice and enough water to thin it into something pourable and generous.

From Salon • Jan. 13, 2026

In Canada, however, it’s as much a part of the culture as poutine and maple syrup.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 28, 2025

Among England's Tudor rose, Scotland's thistle, the Welsh leek and the Irish shamrock are the Canadian maple leaf and India's lotus flower.

From BBC • Dec. 26, 2025

Through her window she could see the last wrinkled leaves gripping the branches of the ancient red maple, refusing to drift down to the ground until absolutely necessary.

From "The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street" by Karina Yan Glaser