# maple

/ˈmeɪpəɫ/ (US) · /mˈeɪpəl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/maple
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. the tree

noun · CEFR B1

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

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

- The maple in our garden turns a beautiful bright red every October.
- The park is home to several species of maple, which provide a spectacular display of crimson and gold foliage during the autumn months.

### 2. the wood

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

- The kitchen cabinets are made of solid maple.
- 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. the flavour

noun · CEFR B1

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

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

- I love the taste of maple on my pancakes in the morning.
- The chef used authentic maple to glaze the roasted vegetables, providing a subtle sweetness that complemented the earthy tones of the dish.

## Examples

- The maple leaves turn bright red in the autumn.
- We spent the morning hiking through a forest filled with tall maple and oak trees.
- The furniture is crafted from solid maple, a hardwood prized for its durability and the fine, consistent grain that takes a polish exceptionally well.

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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.