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Maypole - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

A maypole is a tall wooden pole decorated with flowers and ribbons, traditionally used in spring festivals. People dance around it, weaving the ribbons into patterns as part of the celebration.

maypole

/ˈmeɪˌpoʊl/ /ˈmeɪˌpəʊl/

Definition:

A tall pole decorated with ribbons, danced around in traditional May Day celebrations.

Synonyms:

dance pole, festival pole, ribbon pole

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

(none commonly recognized)

Common Collocations:

dancing around the maypole, weaving ribbons, May Day celebration, raising the maypole

Derivatives:

maypoles, maypoling (rare)

Usage Tips:

Use "maypole" to refer to the central pole in May Day festivities, often involving ribbon dances.

Common Phrases:

dance around the maypole, maypole dance, ribbon around the maypole

Etymology:

From "May" (the month) + "pole," originating from European spring fertility rituals.

Examples:

  • 1. Children danced joyfully around the maypole on May Day.
  • 2. The village erected a colorful maypole for the festival.
  • 3. She held a ribbon tied to the towering maypole.
  • 4. The tradition of weaving ribbons around a maypole dates back centuries.

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