noun B1 Intermediate Common

palm

pahm

Palm (noun) means a tall tropical tree with a crown of large leaves and no branches, such as the ones seen on beaches. Example: “Palm trees lined the resort's private beach.”

noun

A tall tropical tree with a crown of large leaves and no branches, such as the ones seen on beaches.

"Palm trees lined the resort's private beach."

"A coconut palm swayed gently in the wind."

The inner, slightly hollow surface of the hand, from the wrist to the base of the fingers.

"She read his fortune by studying the lines on his palm."

"He wiped the sweat from his palms before the handshake."

verb

To hide something in the hand, often to steal it or as part of a magic trick.

"The magician palmed the coin so smoothly no one noticed."

"Security footage showed him palming a candy bar off the shelf."

How to use palm

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishEither the tropical tree, the inside surface of your hand, or (as a verb) secretly holding something in your hand to hide or steal it.

Common pairings

palm tree sweaty palms palm reading palm something off

Word forms

palmed past tense, palms plural, palms plural, Palms plural, palms singular

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_____ trees lined the resort's private beach.

Etymology

From Latin palma, meaning both "palm of the hand" and "palm tree" — the tree was named for its leaves, which fan out like the fingers of an open hand.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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handle medal decoration ribbon medallion thenar palm tree laurel wreath

Related words

feel name deal hold drive address touch reference

Rhymes for palm

calm balm psalm

See all rhymes for palm →

Frequently asked questions

What does “palm” mean?

The word “palm” means a tall tropical tree with a crown of large leaves and no branches, such as the ones seen on beaches. In plain terms, either the tropical tree, the inside surface of your hand, or (as a verb) secretly holding something in your hand to hide or steal it.

How do you pronounce “palm”?

“Palm” is pronounced pahm (/pɑm/ in IPA).

How do you use “palm” in a sentence?

Here is “palm” used in a sentence: “Palm trees lined the resort's private beach.”

What part of speech is “palm”?

Depending on how it is used, “palm” can be a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “palm” come from?

The word “palm” comes from Latin. From Latin palma, meaning both "palm of the hand" and "palm tree" — the tree was named for its leaves, which fan out like the fingers of an open hand.

Is “palm” a common word?

“Palm” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

How many meanings does “palm” have?

“Palm” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a tall tropical tree with a crown of large leaves and no branches, such as the ones seen on beaches.

Does "palm" mean the tree or part of the hand?

"Palm" has two common meanings: a tall tropical tree with a crown of large leaves and no branches, and the inner, slightly hollow surface of the hand between the wrist and the base of the fingers. Context makes clear which is meant.

What is the difference between the "palm" and the back of the hand?

The palm is the inner surface of the hand, running from the wrist to the base of the fingers, and it is where you would hold or grip an object. The back of the hand is the opposite, outer side.

What does the phrase "palm of your hand" refer to?

It refers to the inner, slightly hollow surface of the hand. The expression is also used figuratively to mean having complete control over something or someone.

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