plum

noun, often attributive \ ˈpləm \

|Updated on: 18 Jun 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

The role of Sarah Norman, a cleaning woman who falls for a teacher at a school for the deaf, is a plum one for deaf actresses.

— New York Times, "Lauren Ridloff’s Quiet Power: ‘My Life Has Changed in Every Way’," 11 May 2018
Introducing his recipe for Grilled Swordfish with a red plum sauce, Symon refers to his early years cooking at the now-defunct Sammy's restaurant.

— debbi snook, cleveland.com, "A look at Michael Symon's new book about 'Cleveland-style' barbecue (photos, recipes)," 11 Apr. 2018
On the nose, rich chocolate and the sweet vanilla swirl of oak; on the tongue, puckering plums.

— william bostwick, WSJ, "Come Over to the Dark (Beer) Side," 23 Mar. 2018
Pale pink scrims of raw Hamachi ($16) glisten with bright plum sauce and pop with the sharp tang of pickled onion.

— michael nagrant, RedEye Chicago, "At BLVD, you'll find approachable fine dining in a glamorous setting," 6 Oct. 2017
Either grow plums as a bush on dwarfing rootstock or as a fan.

— the editors of organic life, Good Housekeeping, "8 Fruit Trees You Can Grow Right On Your Balcony," 4 Apr. 2017
Regardless of his knowledge of the score, the enormous mistake wasted what looked like a plum opportunity to steal a road win from a team that has been accused of ruining the game with its sheer dominance since Durant came in as a free agent.

— benjamin hoffman and marc stein, New York Times, "N.B.A. Finals: Warriors Survive Superman’s Best Punch in Game 1," 1 June 2018
Its Reposado is aged for two years in white oak barrels and has notes of plum and butterscotch.

— ben fox, Outside Online, "How to Throw the Ulimate Father's Day Party," 1 June 2018
Drinks: Get your caffeine fix with Bucky Done Woke, a blend of Nitro cold brew coffee, Campari, sweet vermouth and orange peel, or chill out with a plum brandy mimosa (both $10).

— samantha nelson, RedEye Chicago, "14 new brunches to brighten your Chicago summer," 31 May 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