plum

noun

ˈpləm 

often attributive

1

: any of various trees and shrubs (genus Prunus) of the rose family with globular to oval smooth-skinned edible fruits that are drupes with oblong seeds

also : the fruit

2

: any of various trees with edible fruits resembling plums

also : the fruit

3

a

: a raisin when used in desserts

b

: sugarplum

4

: something superior or very desirable

especially : something desirable given in return for a favor

5

: a dark reddish purple

plumlike

ˈpləm-ˌlīk 

adjective

Synonyms of plum

• prize
• gem
• jewel
• treasure
• pearl

Examples of plum in a Sentence

a bowl of peaches and plums

Dried plums are also called “prunes.”

That deal is a real plum for the contractor.

Recent Examples on the Web

His supporters and opponents alike, Latino and Yankee, complained that Pacheco did not, contrary to the practice of the day, hand out plum political jobs to his supporters. — Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026

Speaking of actives, the formula is also fortified with a triple peptide blend to tighten and firm, kakadu plum and caffeine extract to brighten, and marine extracts to target crepiness. — Lauren Valenti, Vogue, 29 Oct. 2026

Deeper tones of plums and mulberries offer a great starting point, too if a bright eggplant feels too bold. — Kaitlin Clapinski, InStyle, 29 Oct. 2026

Butler also walked us through how to break down the bird ourselves—find the breastbone with your thumb, run the knife along the keel, and the breast comes away in one clean piece the color of a dark plum. — Heide Brandes, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English plūme, modification of Latin prunum plum, from Greek proumnon

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing plum

• beach plum
• Japanese plum
• plum pudding
• plum tomato

Rhymes for plum

• bum
• chum
• come
• crum
• cum
• drum
• dum
• dumb
• from
• frum
• glum
• gum

Kids Definition

plum

noun

ˈpləm 

1

a

: any of numerous trees and shrubs related to the peach and cherries and having globe-shaped to oval edible fruits with an oblong stone

b

: the smooth-skinned fruit of a plum

2

: a raisin when used in desserts (as puddings or cake)

3

: something very desirable

4

: a dark reddish purple

plumlike

-ˌlīk 

adjective

Geographical Definition

Plum

geographical name

ˈpləm 

borough in southwestern Pennsylvania that is a suburb of Pittsburgh