apple

noun

ap·​ple ˈa-pəl How to pronounce apple (audio)
often attributive
1
: the fleshy, usually rounded red, yellow, or green edible pome fruit of a usually cultivated tree (genus Malus) of the rose family
also : an apple tree compare crab apple
2
: a fruit (such as a star apple) or other vegetative growth (such as an oak apple) suggestive of an apple
Phrases
apple of one's eye
: one that is highly cherished
his daughter is the apple of his eye

Examples of apple in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The celebrity chef's version is packed with leeks, apples and pears, and has notes of sage and a base of buttery brioche bread. —Sabrina Weiss, People.com, 19 Nov. 2024 Peach cobbler flavors include caramel apple cobbler, apple walnut raisin cobbler, and cherry cobbler. —Gary Stern, Forbes, 6 Nov. 2024 Among attendees on Tuesday were women wearing the organization’s signature salmon pink and apple green colors. —Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2024 Get The Recipe 08 of 25 Margaret Bragg's Buttermilk Pie Can't choose between pumpkin, apple, and pecan? —Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for apple 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English appel, from Old English æppel; akin to Old High German apful apple, Old Irish ubull, Old Church Slavic ablŭko

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of apple was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing apple

Dictionary Entries Near apple

applausive

apple

apple anthracnose

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Apple.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/apple. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

apple

noun
ap·​ple ˈap-əl How to pronounce apple (audio)
: a rounded fruit with a red, yellow, or green skin, firm white flesh and a seedy core
also : the tree of the rose family that bears this fruit

Medical Definition

apple

noun
ap·​ple ˈap-əl How to pronounce apple (audio)
: the fleshy usually rounded and red, yellow, or green edible pome fruit of a tree (genus Malus) of the rose family
also : an apple tree

More from Merriam-Webster on apple

Nglish: Translation of apple for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of apple for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about apple

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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