plum
/plʌm/
A succulent, stone-fruit characterized by a deep purple or red skin and a sweet, juicy interior. It evokes imagery of ripeness, summer harvests, and a rich, tart sweetness. In a figurative sense, "plum" describes something highly desirable, choice, or lucrative—such as a "plum job." This usage carries a connotation of exclusivity and luck, suggesting a reward that is prized by many but granted to few. Unlike "peach," which often implies a person's sweetness or general perfection, a "plum" in the metaphorical sense specifically targets professional or material advantages.
💬Casual Conversation
Hey, just landed a plum project. Thought of you.
A plum project? Are we talking 'synergy' or actual deliverables this time?
Meanings
Collocations & Compounds
plum pudding
A rich dessert made with dried fruit, suet, and spices, traditionally eaten at Christmas.
We enjoyed a slice of plum pudding after the festive meal.
plum tomato
A variety of tomato that is oval-shaped and has a lower water content, often used for sauces and pastes.
She chopped a plum tomato to add to the salad.
plum wine
A sweet alcoholic beverage made from plums.
He ordered a glass of plum wine to accompany his dessert.
plum jam
A preserve made from plums and sugar.
The toast was spread thick with homemade plum jam.
plum tree
A tree that bears plums.
The plum tree in the garden was laden with ripe fruit.
Idioms & Sayings
plum job
A job that is easy, pleasant, and well-paid.
He managed to get a plum job in the marketing department.
plum out
To decorate or embellish something excessively, often with a sense of showiness.
The designer decided to plum out the dress with sequins and beads.
Etymology
The word 'plum' originates from the Old English 'plume', which itself derived from the Latin 'prunum'. This Latin word is believed to have come from a pre-Indo-European source. The word has consistently referred to the fruit and the tree bearing it throughout its history in English, with its figurative sense of something desirable developing later.