Sycamore is a tree name that can referto point to or mean something by using a word or phrase to several different trees, depending on the region. It can also refer to the wood taken from one of those trees. Because the word is used for different speciesa group of plants or animals with shared features and similar ancestry, the exact meaningthe idea, sense, or definition a word expresses matters.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-30. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Pronunciation
AI-generated pronunciation audio (OpenAI).
Accent: General American English
IPA: /ˈsɪkəˌmɔr/
Easy pronunciation: SIK-uh-mor (approximate spelling).
Stress: Primary stress on the first syllable.
This is the tree sense meaning a plane tree (genus Platanus).
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-30. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Sycamore Meaning
A plane tree.
Part of speech: noun
Definition: Any of several large trees in the genus Platanus, with pale bark that peels off in flakes, lobed leaves, and round fruit clusters.
Example: The old sycamore shaded the park bench in summer.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- plane tree — A direct synonym for this tree sense.
- platan — A less common botanical synonym for the same tree type.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-30. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Other Meanings of Sycamore
Meaning 2
A fig tree called the sycamore fig.
Part of speech: noun
Definition: A fig tree of Africa and southwestern Asia with edible figs, often identified with the biblical sycamore.
Example: The story mentioned a sycamore growing near the road.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- ficus sycomorus — The botanical name for this tree.
- mulberry fig — A common-name synonym for this species.
- sycamore fig — A direct common-name synonym for this tree.
Meaning 3
Sycamore wood.
Part of speech: noun
Definition: The hard, tough, sometimes variegated wood of a sycamore tree.
Example: The cabinet was made from sycamore wood.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- lacewood — A name sometimes used for the wood, but not a perfect everyday substitute.
Meaning 4
A type of maple tree.
Part of speech: noun
Definition: A Eurasian maple tree with pale bark that peels in flakes and leaves that turn yellow in autumn.
Example: The sycamore maple is common in parts of Europe.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- acer pseudoplatanus — The botanical name for this maple species.
- great maple — A common-name synonym for this tree.
- scottish maple — A regional common-name synonym for this tree.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-30. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Sycamore Synonyms
Similar Meaning
- plane tree
- platan
The African and southwestern Asian fig tree known as the sycamore fig
- ficus sycomorus
- mulberry fig
- sycamore fig
The wood of a sycamore tree
- lacewood
The Eurasian maple species sometimes called sycamore
- acer pseudoplatanus
- great maple
- scottish maple
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-30. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing sycamore with the sycamore fig, which is a different tree from the plane tree sense.
- Using sycamore to mean any maple tree in general; the word names a specific species in some regions.
- Treating the wood sense as if it meant the tree itself.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-30. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common meaning of sycamore?
In everyday English, sycamore most often means a type of plane tree with pale bark that flakes off.
Is a sycamore the same as a maple?
Not usually. In some regions, sycamore can refer to a specific maple species, but the main tree sense is a plane tree.
Can sycamore mean wood?
Yes. It can also mean the hard wood from a sycamore tree.
What is the botanical name of the sycamore fig?
Ficus sycomorus.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-30. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
