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

Shay Mitchell’s midnight espresso base exudes a plum undertone that couldn’t be better aligned with the seasonal transformation. — Alyssa Rotunno, InStyle, 27 Aug. 2026

Her footwear accompanied a fall 2012 Gucci by Frida Giannini plum peplum jacket and high-neck ruffled blouse, along with a silky black knee-length skirt with a ruffled hem. — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 26 Aug. 2026

In addition to Peking duck, which has to be ordered at least a day ahead of time, the menu also features plum sauce baby pork ribs, a black truffle gratin lobster tail and seasonal dishes, like winter osmanthus flowers. — Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 25 Aug. 2026

Velvet is a natural for drawing out the opulence of plum, but look to linen and leather for more earthy applications. — Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Aug. 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