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Definition of maypole

maypole

/ˈmeɪ.poʊl/
may · pole
Plural:maypoles
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maypole Lexical Profile

maypole Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A tall pole decorated with flowers, greenery, and long ribbons, around which people traditionally dance during May Day celebrations.

Example

"The schoolchildren held onto the brightly colored ribbons and wove an intricate pattern as they danced around the maypole."

• Nearby Words

mayoralty
mayoress
mayorship
maypole
maypop
mayweed
maze

Word Origin & Etymology

First recorded in the mid-16th century, formed as a compound of 'May' (referring to May Day festivities) and 'pole', reflecting the medieval European tradition of erecting decorated wooden masts on the first of May to celebrate the arrival of spring.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Maypole. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/maypole
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