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Definition of japanese maple
japanese maple
Plural:japanese maples
japanese maple Lexical Profile
CEFR
B2
Grade
6
Tier
2
Usage
Rare
• noun
1
A deciduous shrub or small tree of the genus Acer, native to East Asia (particularly Japan, Korea, and China), widely cultivated as an ornamental plant for its deeply lobed, delicate leaves and vibrant red, orange, or purple autumn foliage.
Example
"The landscaping design featured a striking Japanese maple whose brilliant red leaves provided a vivid contrast against the green backdrop of the garden."
Synonyms
View all synonyms for japanese maple• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
The name reflects its primary native region, Japan, where it has been cultivated for centuries. The word 'maple' derives from Old English 'mæpel', referring to trees of the Acer genus.
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Japanese maple. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 13, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/japanese maple