noun
damson
DAM-zuhn
Damson (noun) means a small, dark purple plum, or the tree it grows on. Example: “She stewed the damsons with a little sugar for breakfast.”
noun
1
A small, dark purple plum, or the tree it grows on.
"She stewed the damsons with a little sugar for breakfast."
"The old damson tree in the corner of the garden fruits every autumn."
"He makes a rich jam from damsons each September."
adjective
1
Of a deep, dark purple colour, like the fruit.
"She wore a damson coat that suited the winter light."
"The walls were painted a deep damson shade."
"He chose damson for the bedroom curtains."
How to use damson
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA damson is a small, tart purple plum, or the tree that grows them.
When to use it
The word is everyday and mainly used in cooking and gardening contexts.
Memory tip
Remember that damsons are tarter than ordinary plums, so recipes usually add extra sugar.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
damson jam
damson gin
damson tree
damson plum
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Etymology
Damson comes from Middle English forms such as damascene and damasyn, which trace back to Latin prūnum damascēnum, meaning a plum from Damascus. The name reflects the fruit's association with that city.
Synonyms
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damascene plum
Rhymes for damson
See all rhymes for damson →Frequently asked questions
Is a damson just a small plum?
Yes, it is a smaller, tarter type of plum, from a related subspecies of the plum tree.
Can you eat damsons raw?
They can be eaten raw, though their sharp taste means they are more often cooked into jams, pies or sauces.
Why is it called a damson?
The name comes from its old association with the city of Damascus, via Latin and Middle English.
What is the meaning of damson?
"damson" (noun) means a small, dark purple plum, or the tree it grows on.
