# apple /ˈæpəɫ/ (US) · /ˈæpəl/ (UK) Source: https://englishreference.com/word/apple Updated: 2026-08-15 ## Senses ### 1. the fruit noun · CEFR A1 a hard, round fruit with red, green, or yellow skin and white flesh. For teachers: the edible, fleshy pome fruit of the tree Malus domestica, typically characterized by its firm texture and varied skin pigmentation. - She packed a crisp red apple in her lunch for a healthy snack. - The orchard produces several varieties of heritage apples, ranging from tart cooking types to sweet dessert cultivars preferred by local markets. ### 2. the tree noun · CEFR A2 the tree that grows apples. For teachers: any tree of the genus Malus, especially those cultivated for their edible fruit. - We sat under the old apple tree to stay out of the sun. - The farmer decided to prune the apple trees in late winter to encourage more vigorous growth during the spring season. ### 3. computer brand noun · CEFR A2 a computer or electronic device made by the company Apple Inc. For teachers: a proprietary electronic device, such as a computer or smartphone, manufactured by Apple Inc. - He bought a new Apple laptop for his university studies. - The office recently upgraded its entire fleet of workstations to the latest Apple models to ensure software compatibility across the design team. ### 4. New York City noun · CEFR B1 · Informal a nickname for New York City, usually called 'the Big Apple'. For teachers: a popular nickname for New York City, almost exclusively used in the definite construction 'the Big Apple'. - It was her first time visiting the Big Apple, and she was amazed by the lights. - Tourism in the Big Apple reached record highs last year, with millions of visitors flocking to Times Square and Central Park. ### 5. sports assist noun · CEFR C1 · Slang a pass that helps a teammate score a goal. For teachers: a colloquial term for an assist, particularly in ice hockey. - The captain got another apple after setting up the winning goal. - He finished the season with twenty goals and thirty apples, proving his value as a playmaker for the team. ### 6. offensive slur noun · CEFR C2 · Slang · Vulgar · American English an offensive word for a Native American person who is accused of acting like a white person. For teachers: a derogatory ethnic slur directed at a Native American person perceived as having assimilated into white culture. - The speaker explained why using the word apple as a slur is hurtful. - The documentary explored the painful history of ethnic slurs, including the term apple, and their impact on indigenous communities. Usage: This term is highly offensive and should be avoided. Teaching tip: This sense is a racial slur; learners should be aware of its offensive nature and avoid using it. ### 7. to form a round shape verb · CEFR C2 · Technical · Dialect to grow or turn into the shape of an apple. For teachers: to take on the physical characteristics or rounded shape of an apple, often used in botanical contexts. - The vegetable began to apple as it matured in the garden. - Certain root vegetables tend to apple if the soil is too compact, resulting in a stunted, spherical growth pattern. ## Examples - I eat a fresh apple every morning. - The children spent the afternoon picking ripe apples from the trees in the local orchard. - While many modern varieties are bred for sweetness and shelf life, heirloom apples often provide a more complex balance of acidity and floral notes preferred by traditional cider makers. --- From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.