plum

noun

ˈpləm How to pronounce plum (audio)
Synonyms of plumnext
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 How to pronounce plum (audio)
adjective

Synonyms of plum

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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.
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Butler also walked us through how to break down the bird ourselves—find the breastbone with your thumb, run the knife along the keel, and the breast comes away in one clean piece the color of a dark plum. — Heide Brandes, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Oct. 2026 Swift wore a rich plum satin colorway of the Seada sandal, which isn’t currently offered by Jimmy Choo, though the brand does have ivory satin and black suede options of this silhouette retailing for $1,295. — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 27 Oct. 2026 Swan expects her clients to request deep plum pedicures this winter. — Loren Savini, Allure, 26 Oct. 2026 Rich jewel tones like plum and emerald green work for most formal events, while bright, vibrant shades can be hit or miss. — Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 24 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for plum

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

Phrases Containing plum

Rhymes for plum

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Browse Nearby Words

plug weld
plum
Plum
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Cite this Entry

“Plum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plum. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

plum

noun
ˈpləm How to pronounce plum (audio)
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 How to pronounce plum (audio)
adjective

Geographical Definition

Plum

geographical name

ˈpləm How to pronounce Plum (audio)
borough in southwestern Pennsylvania that is a suburb of Pittsburgh

More from Merriam-Webster on plum

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about plum

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