noun
poplar
POP-luh
noun
1
A tall, fast-growing deciduous tree of the genus Populus, often planted in rows as a windbreak.
"A line of poplars marked the edge of the old farm."
"Poplars grow quickly but their wood is fairly soft."
2
The lightweight wood of this tree.
"The drawer was made of cheap poplar rather than oak."
How to Use Poplar
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA tall, slender tree often planted in rows along fields or roads, also known for its soft, cheap timber.
Common mistake
Not related to the word "popular" despite the similar spelling — the Latin roots are different words that just happen to look alike.
Common pairings
a row of poplars
poplar wood
poplar tree
Word Forms
poplars plural, Poplars plural
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Etymology
From Anglo-Norman popler and Old French poplier, ultimately from Latin populus ("poplar tree") — no relation to the unrelated Latin populus meaning "people".