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

To complete the emo-lite glam, Kidman added a short, plum manicure and a floral black dress. —Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 3 Dec. 2024

Begin your journey with a handwritten note to Santa, or experience the enchantment of sugar plum fairies and gingerbread delights in a sugary dreamscape. —Roger Sands, Forbes, 2 Dec. 2024

Lego sets are available for a range of experience levels, like this plum blossom kit from the brand’s botanical collection, which turns into a zero-maintenance flower display. —Ali Faccenda, People.com, 27 Nov. 2024

The pants come in black, plum brown, khaki, gray, and blue. —Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 27 Nov. 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