plum

noun, often attributive \ ˈpləm \

Updated on: 24 Apr 2018

Definition of plum

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

play \ˈpləm-ˌlīk\ adjective

See plum defined for English-language learners

See plum defined for kids

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 of plum from the Web

Her own back yard produces pears, peaches, plums, nectarines, apricots, asparagus, rhubarb, berries and more.

— judy buchenot, Naperville Sun, "Suburban Cooks: Recipe for food-producing garden," 20 Apr. 2018
Ordinarily, items such as cherries, plums, apricots, olives and nutshells were kitchen refuse items.

— dawn mitchell, Indianapolis Star, "How peach pits helped us win The Great War," 20 Apr. 2018
Their take on the Manhattan is made with blended whiskey and, in place of sweet vermouth, black-walnut-and-damson-plum cordial.

— samantha melamed, Philly.com, "Old City has a secret cocktail bar. It's in the back of the Art in the Age boutique," 14 Mar. 2018
And besides selling its jams, jellies and butters, the deli sells gift baskets and 11 kinds of candles with scents to give whiffs of those tasty condiments such as apple/cinnamon, plum, pear, red current, raspberry and even watermelon.

— jane ford-stewart, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Peanut Butter & Jelly Deli packs in customers since opening in West Allis," 7 Mar. 2018
San Pedro 1865 Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Big and bold, this Chilean Cab is loaded with plum, cherry, and oak, but surprises you with a hint of green pepper as well.

— chris morris, Fortune, "7 Wines That Will Make Valentine's Day Extra Special," 13 Feb. 2018
Among these, Indian plum, red flowering currant, salmonberry, and red huckleberry are ones to watch for.

— Sunset, "Where to See Wildflowers This Season," 22 Jan. 2018
Sister Sylvia Strahler, who joined Sister McKenna in recent years at New Jerusalem, said that neighborhood children still come by after school to pick up snacks, which often include apples and plums from the garden.

— claudia vargas, Philly.com, "Will city Land Bank save North Philly nuns' community garden?," 2 Apr. 2018
When buying them, look for ones with an ingredient list of just plums, salt, and shiso.

— mari uyehara, BostonGlobe.com, "Ochazuke, the simplest, most soothing of all soups," 2 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'plum.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of plum

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

plum Synonyms

Synonyms

catch, gem, jewel, pearl, prize, treasure;

Near Antonyms

lemon, loser;

booty, loot, plunder, spoil, swag;

brass ring;

glory, pride;

gold, jackpot, prize money, treasure trove;

Other Food Terms

Reuben, calamari, chuck, curry, edamame, foie gras, hummus, leaven, nonpareil, peel

Plum

geographical name \ ˈpləm \

Definition of Plum

borough in southwestern Pennsylvania that is a suburb of Pittsburgh population 27,126

PLUM Defined for English Language Learners

plum

noun

Definition of plum for English Language Learners

: a round, juicy fruit that has red or purple skin, sweet yellow flesh, and a hard seed at the center
: something that many people want or think is very good
: a dark reddish-purple color