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
plumlike adjective

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 These include apricots, cherry plums and pears, as well as Malus sieversii, a wild apple—the primary ancestor of the modern apple—that’s been growing in this region for thousands of years. Laura Kiniry, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Dec. 2023 His institute has bestowed honors and plum speaking slots on clergy who question Francis’ fitness and motives. Harriet Ryan, Los Angeles Times, 18 Dec. 2023 More dancing, socializing, and champagne glass clinking took place under the glow of the purple light as the Norwegian singer Angelina Jordan gave a performance in a deep plum strapless gown and emerald tiara. Kristen Bateman, Vogue, 27 Nov. 2023 Here, four locals take on the plum assignment of picking their favorite stops in the city many lovingly dub Sacratomato. Leilani Marie Labong, WSJ, 24 Nov. 2023 Trending News Peaches, plums, nectarines recalled due to deadly listeria outbreak Americans say money can buy happiness. Kate Gibson, CBS News, 20 Nov. 2023 By Louise Glück Spring comes quickly: overnight the plum tree blossoms, the warm air fills with bird calls. Louise Glück, New York Times, 21 Dec. 2023 Picture-perfect plates of cherry tomatoes, olives, prosciutto, burrata, and plums in olive oil? Ali Francis, Bon Appétit, 19 Dec. 2023 Colors are a highlight, too, with fun options ranging from coral and plum to leopard print. Jessica MacDonald, Travel + Leisure, 15 Dec. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'plum.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of plum was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near plum

Cite this Entry

“Plum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plum. Accessed 9 Jan. 2024.

Kids Definition

plum

noun
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 adjective

Geographical Definition

Plum

geographical name

borough in southwestern Pennsylvania that is a suburb of Pittsburgh population 27,126

More from Merriam-Webster on plum

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