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 report also depicted the DWP as a cliquey environment where employees received plum positions and promotions based on their relationships with top leaders, rather than their job performance. —Dakota Smith, Los Angeles Times, 27 Apr. 2024

Dishes like Sea Grape’s potato and leek soup and Tamarind’s plum crumble dessert were undeniable home runs for us. —Jasmine Grant, Travel + Leisure, 20 Apr. 2024

Being willing to show up to an office (which a worker who moved to Montana can no longer offer) is more and more likely to be a determining factor for a plum role. —Jane Thier, Fortune, 15 Apr. 2024

Pickled plum and apricot flavors enter boldly, then subside in the dry finish. —Peter Rowe, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Mar. 2024

Dark ruby color greets the eye, aromas of cherry and plum float from the glass and the sweet, gentle flavors of American oak linger on the palate. —Dave McIntyre, Washington Post, 28 Mar. 2024

Her 2020 Cab has aromas of black plum, fennel frond, cigar box, and cassis. —Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 28 Mar. 2024

The country’s stunning Game of Thrones-worthy setting on the Adriatic Sea, with multiple plum locations, is a big draw for music lovers who want to forget their troubles in the sparkling sun. —Lily Moayeri, SPIN, 15 Apr. 2024

Top notes are plum, strawberry and cassis leaf with middle notes of red poppy and apple blossom. —Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 12 Apr. 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