persimmon

noun

per·​sim·​mon pər-ˈsi-mən 

1

: any of a genus (Diospyros) of trees of the ebony family with hard fine wood, oblong leaves, and small bell-shaped flowers

especially : an eastern U.S. tree (D. virginiana) or a Japanese tree (D. kaki)

2

: the usually orange several-seeded globular berry of a persimmon that is edible when fully ripe but usually extremely astringent when unripe

Examples of persimmon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Bold colors, like persimmon and aqua, break up all the antiques and give the ceiling frescoes (yes, there are multiple) a mod spin. —Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2025

Pawpaws, guavas, and persimmons can add a spicy tropical flair to drinks like the Gin Fizz, Collins, and Old Fashioned, while cranberry adds a splash of tartness and festivity to margaritas and Palomas. —Essence, 29 Sep. 2025

Asian persimmon varieties like ‘Fuyu’ are popular yet not as cold-hardy as American persimmons (Diospyros virginiana), which can grow as low as Zone 4. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Sep. 2025

Attractive light orange color; aromas of orange roses, persimmon and a hint of cardamon. —Tom Hyland, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Virginia Algonquian pessemmin

First Known Use

1612, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for persimmon

• saleswomen
• countrywomen
• englishwomen
• gentlewomen
• washerwomen
• crimen
• imine
• women

Kids Definition

persimmon

noun

per·​sim·​mon pər-ˈsim-ən 

1

: any of a genus of trees with hard fine wood, oblong leaves, and small bell-shaped white flowers

2

: the usually orange fruit of a persimmon that resembles a plum and is edible when fully ripe but usually very bitter when unripe

Medical Definition

persimmon

noun

per·​sim·​mon pər-ˈsim-ən 

1

: any tree or shrub of the genus Diospyros

especially : one (D. virginiana) of the eastern United States whose bark has been used as an astringent

2

: the usually orange globular berry of a persimmon that is edible when fully ripe but usually extremely astringent when unripe