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
4
: something superior or very desirable
especially
: something desirable given in return for a favor
5
: a dark reddish purple
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
Shop it in black, light ivory, or a beautiful plum color before your favorite sells out.
—
Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 28 Feb. 2026
The prunes found on your grocer's shelves are typically made from one plum varietal, an improved offshoot of the legendary Petit d'Agen plum, which originated in France and is grown in California.
—Randi Gollin, Martha Stewart, 27 Feb. 2026
Their 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon has lifted aromas of crushed violet and cedar followed by black raspberry and red plum.
—Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 26 Feb. 2026
Saucer magnolias, Florida dogwoods, as well as some fruit trees such as plums, apricots, and peaches, can all experience cold injury from freezing temperatures.
—Markis Hill, Kansas City Star, 25 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for plum
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Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 28 Feb. 2026
The prunes found on your grocer's shelves are typically made from one plum varietal, an improved offshoot of the legendary Petit d'Agen plum, which originated in France and is grown in California.
—Randi Gollin, Martha Stewart, 27 Feb. 2026
Their 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon has lifted aromas of crushed violet and cedar followed by black raspberry and red plum.
—Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 26 Feb. 2026
Saucer magnolias, Florida dogwoods, as well as some fruit trees such as plums, apricots, and peaches, can all experience cold injury from freezing temperatures.
—Markis Hill, Kansas City Star, 25 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for plum
Cite this Entry
“Plum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plum. Accessed 5 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
plum
noun1
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
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