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 The warm, fruity notes of black amber plum and vanilla woods are balanced with the delicate scent of jasmine blooms, leaving your hair smelling (literally) delicious. Andrea Navarro, Glamour, 13 Mar. 2024 Soft tannins and voluptuous mouthfeel pave the way for flavors of ripe red plum, red raspberry, and dried Bing cherry. Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 12 Mar. 2024 Slivovitz plum brandy might be the best-known in the United States as a fiery drink. Florence Fabricant, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2024 Imperial waka anthologies compiled in Japan between 905 and 1439 C.E. usually contain more spring poems composed about cherry blossoms than plum blossoms. Małgorzata (gosia) K. Citko-Duplantis, The Conversation, 7 Mar. 2024 There are 13 colorways to choose from, ranging from the monochrome black, white, gray, and khaki combinations that are perfect for lovers of chic neutrals, while the green, rust, teal, and plum might blend in better with a wardrobe of bold colors. Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 6 Mar. 2024 An industrious medical student, the son of immigrants, wrestled with the choice of two plum summer jobs during his second year of medical school at the University of Pittsburgh. Cathie Anderson, Sacramento Bee, 6 Mar. 2024 Bright, deep purple; tantalizing aromas of black plum, cassis and lavender. Tom Hyland, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 Isaac’s were stuffed with jellyfish and plum, mine with mustard greens and salmon flakes. Helen Schulman, Travel + Leisure, 2 Mar. 2024

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 28 Mar. 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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