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

• catch
• gem
• jewel
• pearl
• prize
• treasure

Example Sentences

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

Expect hints of coffee, cocoa, currant, dark cherry, graphite and plum while sipping. —People Staff, Peoplemag, 21 Mar. 2023

More specifically, Longoria’s earnest crowd-pleaser chronicles the unlikely story of Richard Montañez (Jesse Garcia), a low-level Frito-Lay employee who conceptualized the spicy snack and ended up with a plum corporate promotion. —Matthew Jacobs, Vulture, 20 Mar. 2023

If the Aztecs misfire on an opportunity as plum as Saturday, that will become the memory of a lifetime as well. —Bryce Miller, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Mar. 2023

By finally snagging himself a plum political appointment, Garcetti has bucked history. —Elvia Limón, Los Angeles Times, 17 Mar. 2023

The brand's deep conditioning hair mask contains ingredients that pay homage to the founder's Australian roots, like kakadu plum, while delivering deep hydration. —Harper's BAZAAR, 18 Feb. 2023

This rich, layered, joyous rosato is dense with wild strawberries, mountain berries, and violets, all of it framed by bright acidity and a hint of yellow-plum pit and a crunchy mouthwatering core reminiscent of pink grapefruit. —Brian Freedman, Forbes, 14 Feb. 2023

The animal’s blood is used in pancakes and served with cloudberry jam, and the heart is dried and incorporated into a ​​Rømmegrøt, a porridge often made with sour cream, butter and plum vinegar. —Mallory Arnold, Outside Online, 20 Dec. 2022

Bibliothèque starts with fresh and fruity top notes of peach and plum. —Grooming Playbook, The Salt Lake Tribune, 19 Dec. 2022

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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

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

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

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 population 27,126