ENGLISH
REFERENCE

maple

n.
US //ˈmeɪpəɫ// UK //mˈeɪpəl// maple
  1. 1 the tree (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a tree with leaves that have pointed parts, often turning bright red or orange in autumn.

    any tree or shrub of the genus Acer, typically possessing palmate leaves and winged fruits known as samaras.

    Example

    The maple in our garden turns a beautiful bright red every October.

    Example

    The park is home to several species of maple, which provide a spectacular display of crimson and gold foliage during the autumn months.

  2. 2 the wood (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the hard, pale wood from a maple tree, used to make furniture or floors.

    the hard, close-grained wood of the maple tree, valued for its durability and aesthetic appeal in cabinetry and flooring.

    Example

    The kitchen cabinets are made of solid maple.

    Example

    The luthier selected a piece of curly maple for the back of the violin, prized for both its acoustic properties and its striking visual figure.
  3. 3 the flavour (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Cooking

    the sweet taste of the sap from a maple tree, usually found in syrup.

    the characteristic flavour derived from the concentrated sap of the sugar maple tree.

    Example

    I love the taste of maple on my pancakes in the morning.

    Example

    The chef used authentic maple to glaze the roasted vegetables, providing a subtle sweetness that complemented the earthy tones of the dish.

Origin

From Middle English mapel, from Old English mapul (attested in mapultrēow and mapulder), from Proto-West Germanic mapul. See also Old Saxon mapulder, Old High German mazaltra, mazzaltra; also Old Norse mǫpurr, Middle Low German mapeldorn, dialectal Dutch meppel, German Masseller, Maßholder; also Old English mæsen (“maple”), Old Norse mǫsurr (“maple”), German Maser (“knob, offshoot”); also German Mase (“scar”), modern Maser (“speck, measle”). More at measles.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Last updated June 20, 2026