palm

1 of 3

noun (1)

ˈpäm  ˈpälm 

ˈpȯm,

ˈpȯlm 

1

: any of a family (Palmae synonym Arecaceae) of mostly tropical or subtropical monocotyledonous trees, shrubs, or vines with usually a simple stem and a terminal crown of large pinnate or fan-shaped leaves

2

: a leaf of the palm as a symbol of victory or rejoicing

also : a branch (as of laurel) similarly used

3

: a symbol of triumph or superiority

also : victory, triumph

4

: an addition to a military decoration in the form of a palm frond especially to indicate a second award of the basic decoration

palmlike

ˈpäm-ˌlīk 

ˈpälm-

ˈpȯm-

ˈpȯlm-

adjective

Illustration of palm

• ¹palm 1

palm

2 of 3

noun (2)

1

: the somewhat concave part of the human hand between the bases of the fingers and the wrist or the corresponding part of the forefoot of a lower mammal

2

: a flat expanded part especially at the end of a base or stalk (as of an anchor)

3

[Latin palmus, from palma] : a unit of length based on the breadth or length of the hand

4

: something (such as a part of a glove) that covers the palm of the hand

5

: an act of palming (as of cards)

palm

3 of 3

verb

palmed; palming; palms

transitive verb

1

a

: to conceal in or with the hand

palm a card

b

: to take or pick up stealthily

c

: to hand stealthily

palmed him a dollar bill

2

: to impose by fraud

a second imposter to be palmed upon you

—Sir Walter Scott

3

: to touch with the palm: such as

a

: to stroke with the palm or hand

b

: to allow (a basketball) to come to rest momentarily in the hand while dribbling thus committing a violation

Synonyms

Noun (1)

• victory
• win

Verb

• wish
• inflict
• pass off
• impose
• palm off

Examples of palm in a Sentence

Noun (1)

the judges' decision was unanimous: the palm would go to the pianist who had played an early piece by Chopin

Verb

The store's owner had seen one of the girls palm a lipstick before heading for the door.

To do the card trick, you have to learn to palm one of the cards.

He was called for palming the ball.

The kick was palmed away by the goalkeeper.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

After that, a mouth that tightens or a foot that points toward the door reveals anxiety; palms turning upward show permission. —Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025

The Bulls acquired him in August 2021 in a trade with the New Orleans Pelicans, and Ball initially dazzled in Chicago, slinging end-to-end passes and moving with the ball like it was attached to a string in the palm of his hand. —Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2025

Verb

One of the others mimed palming the girl’s rear while the third snapped a photo. —Dan Greene, New Yorker, 26 May 2025

With his feet still inside the penalty area, but his right arm extended beyond its edge, Henderson took the ball almost off Haaland’s foot and palmed it away from his goal, towards the touchline. —Matt Pyzdrowski, New York Times, 18 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Old English, from Latin palma palm of the hand, palm tree; from the resemblance of the tree's leaves to the outstretched hand; akin to Greek palamē palm of the hand, Old English folm, Old Irish lám hand

Noun (2)

Middle English paume, palme, from Anglo-French, from Latin palma

First Known Use

Noun (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1671, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing palm

• acai palm
• betel palm
• cabbage palm
• coconut palm
• face-palm
• grease the palm of
• have (someone) in the palm of one's hand
• nipa palm
• oil palm
• oil the palm
• palm off
• palm oil
• palm (oneself) off as
• palm print
• palm tree
• raffia palm
• read someone's palm
• royal palm
• sago palm
• wax palm

Rhymes for palm

• balm
• bom
• bomb
• calm
• dom
• halm
• hom
• malm
• mam
• mom
• pom
• pomme

Kids Definition

palm

1 of 3 noun

ˈpäm  ˈpälm 

1

: any of a family of mostly tropical or subtropical woody trees, shrubs, or vines usually with a simple but often tall stem topped by a crown of very large feathery or fan-shaped leaves

2

a

: a palm leaf especially when carried as a symbol of victory or rejoicing

b

: an emblem of success or triumph

palmlike

-ˌlīk 

adjective

palm

2 of 3 noun

1

: the underside of the hand between the fingers and the wrist

2

: a measure of length based on the width or length of the palm

palm

3 of 3 verb

: to conceal in or pick up secretly with the hand

Etymology

Noun

Old English palm "palm tree," from Latin palma "palm of the hand"; so called because the leaves resemble an outstretched hand

Noun

Middle English paume "palm of the hand," from early French paume (same meaning), from Latin palma "palm of the hand"

Medical Definition

palm

noun

ˈpä(l)m 

: the somewhat concave part of the human hand between the bases of the fingers and the wrist or the corresponding part of the forefoot of a lower mammal