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

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

The team puts together seasonal menus with microgreens from Grand Valley Micro Farms, fresh bread from Kulina Lani Organic Sourdough and produce from neighboring orchards–including nectarines, plums, peaches and apricots. —Brittany Anas, The Denver Post, 30 Oct. 2024

The guessing games have begun about individuals in the business world who might land plum posts in a Trump or Harris Cabinet. —Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 30 Oct. 2024

On a double date with her husband, Ryan Reynolds, and their pals Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, the mom of four rocked a decidedly autumn-appropriate maroon sweater dress and plum Valentino heels. —Michelle Lee, People.com, 29 Oct. 2024

There are a few dozen rose bushes, various other perennial flowers, and a brace of fruit trees: the six apples, two plums (Santa Rosa and European prune), a persimmon (Hachiya), and a multi-graft Asian pear whose branches the local raccoons keep breaking in their nightly revelry. —Manjula Martin, The New Yorker, 28 Oct. 2024

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

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