WordGarden.ioapple
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /ˈæpəl/
US
- /ˈæpəl/
Meanings
Noun
the round edible fruit of an apple tree
the tree that produces apples
Proper-noun
the Apple technology company and consumer electronics brand
Beyond the definition
An apple is a round fruit with firm, white flesh and red, green, or yellow skin. It's famously associated with health ("An apple a day keeps the doctor away!") and knowledge (think of the "forbidden fruit" often depicted as an apple in the story of Adam and Eve, or Isaac Newton). But "apple" isn't just about food!
You might call someone "the apple of your eye," meaning they are very precious to you. And in tech, Apple is one of the biggest companies in the world, known for its iPhones, iPads, and Mac computers. So an apple can be a tasty treat, a symbol steeped in history, or a cutting-edge piece of technology!
The humble apple has been a part of human history for thousands of years, originating in Central Asia. While we often picture bright red apples, they actually come in a huge variety of colors, shapes, and flavors—from tart Granny Smiths to sweet Honeycrisps. Beyond being a delicious and nutritious fruit (packed with fiber and vitamin C!), the apple holds significant cultural weight.
Historically, it's been a symbol of temptation (the "forbidden fruit" in the biblical story of Adam and Eve is often shown as an apple in Western art), knowledge (Isaac Newton's discovery of gravity is famously linked to an apple falling from a tree), health, and even immortality in some cultures. The phrase "apple of one's eye" signifies someone cherished above all others—a term dating back centuries!
But the word "apple" has expanded beyond its fruity origins. In modern times, "Apple" refers to one of the most influential technology companies globally, known for innovation and design. You might also say someone is "comparing apples and oranges" when they're trying to compare two completely different things.
So whether you're biting into a crisp apple on a fall day, pondering its symbolic meaning, or using an Apple device, this seemingly simple fruit—and the word it represents—has a surprisingly rich and complex history.
Examples
- 1
Everyday snack
She packed an apple in her bag for later.
- 2
Fruit harvest
The apples on that tree won't be ready until September.
- 3
Breakfast drink
He drinks apple juice with breakfast instead of orange juice.
- 4
Dessert
My grandmother makes the best apple pie.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Comparison idiom
You can't compare apples and oranges.
- Phrasecompare apples and oranges
compare two things that are very different
- 6
Affection idiom
After the baby was born, she became the apple of his eye.
- Phrasethe apple of someone's eye
the person someone loves most
See also
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- applenoun
Forms
- applespluralnoun