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

see also apple of one's 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.
Izabela Babinska and Derrick Vogel purchased a 52-acre farm just outside Charlevoix in 2021 with an apple and pear orchard that needed some TLC. Stacy Conde, Midwest Living, 30 Dec. 2025 In the Netherlands, Oliebollen, doughnut-like fritters stuffed with apples, are a traditional Dutch New Year’s sweet. Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner, Martha Stewart, 30 Dec. 2025 Clearly, the musical apple doesn't fall too far from the tree as Bailee Ann looked quite at home on stage with her superstar dad back in 2019. Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 29 Dec. 2025 The party will have a ball drop at noon and sparkling apple cider. Laura Fay, CBS News, 29 Dec. 2025 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

Cite this Entry

“Apple.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/apple. Accessed 31 Dec. 2025.

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

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