# aspen

/ˈæspən/ (US) · /ˈæspən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/aspen
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. the tree

noun · CEFR B2

a tree with a smooth, light-coloured trunk and leaves that tremble in the wind.

For teachers: any of several species of poplar trees in the genus Populus, known for their thin, greenish-white bark and leaves that flutter in the slightest breeze.

- In the autumn, the leaves of the aspen turn a beautiful bright yellow.
- The hillside was covered in a dense grove of aspen, their leaves shimmering with a distinct metallic sound as the wind moved through the valley.

### 2. the wood

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

the soft, light-coloured wood that comes from an aspen tree.

For teachers: the timber produced by the aspen tree, typically characterised as being pale, lightweight, and relatively soft.

- The matchsticks were made from soft aspen wood.
- Aspen is frequently utilised in the production of plywood and paper pulp due to its uniform texture and low density.

### 3. trembling

adjective · CEFR C2 · Archaic · Literary

shaking or trembling, like the leaves of an aspen tree.

For teachers: characterised by trembling or shaking; used figuratively to describe a person's physical state of fear or weakness.

- He stood there with aspen limbs, terrified of what might happen next.
- The poet described the old man's aspen hands, which shook uncontrollably as he reached for the letter.

Usage: In modern English, this is almost exclusively found in older literature or poetry.

## Examples

- The aspen trees turned gold in October.
- We walked through the forest where the aspen leaves rustled in the wind.
- The trembling aspen stands out in the landscape with its pale bark and fluttering leaves.

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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.