a river of Chile, rises in the Andes near the peak of Descabezado, and flows for 150 miles W. to the Pacific. It is navigable for a considerable part of its course; but it is obstructed by a bar at the mouth, where the surge is generally very violent. The principal tributary of the Maule is the Guanquil.

The province of the same name is bounded by this river on the N., and extends southward to the Itata, occupying a tract of ground of an undulating and hilly nature. It is productive of grain, wine, and tobacco, and affords excellent pasturage for cattle, in the rearing of which the inhabitants are chiefly employed. There is some trade in the exportation of wines and tobacco. The principal towns are Cauquenes, the capital; Constitucion, at the mouth of the Maule; and others. Pop. 118,309.