maypole

noun

may·​pole ˈmā-ˌpōl How to pronounce maypole (audio)
variants often Maypole
: a tall flower-wreathed pole forming a center for May Day sports and dances

Examples of maypole 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.
There will be live music, dancing around the maypole and flower crown making. — Wcco Staff, CBS News, 18 June 2026 The after-ski includes live music, traditional buffet spreads, and dancing around a maypole in ski boots. — Lea Lane, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026 Flowers are put on crowns and Maypoles, gifted in May Day baskets, and seen fresh at the farmers' market. — Kylie Petty, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 May 2026 Find different ways to honor the natural world around you, whether that be planting flowers or plants, making flower crowns with your family and friends, or making your own version of a maypole. — Greta Cross, USA Today, 2 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for maypole

Word History

First Known Use

1529, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of maypole was in 1529

Rhymes for maypole

See All Rhymes for maypole

Browse Nearby Words

May pink
maypole
Maypole dance
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Maypole.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/maypole. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

maypole

noun
may·​pole ˈmā-ˌpōl How to pronounce maypole (audio)
often capitalized
: a tall pole decorated with ribbons and flowers that forms a center for May Day sports and dances
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