persimmon

[ per-sim-uhn ]

/ pərˈsɪm ən /

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noun

any of several trees of the genus Diospyros, especially D. virginiana, of North America, bearing astringent, plumlike fruit that is sweet and edible when ripe, and D. kaki, of Japan and China, bearing soft, red or orange fruit.

the fruit itself.

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Origin of persimmon

First recorded in 1605–15, Americanism; from Virginia Algonquian (English spelling) pessemmins, pichamins, pushemins, putchamins (unidentified initial element + reflex of Proto-Algonquian (unattested) -min- “fruit, berry”)

Words nearby persimmon

Persian walnut, persicaria, Persichetti, persiennes, persiflage, persimmon, Persis, persist, persistence, persistence of vision, persistent

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use persimmon in a sentence

The blossoms of strawberries and blueberries should be covered against freezing, as well as those of apples, peaches and persimmons if the trees are small enough to wrap.
Time to dig in|Adrian Higgins|March 17, 2021|Washington Post
Timing will vary, not just with every batch, but from persimmon to persimmon, which is why it’s important to pay attention to the slow progress of each fruit.
The Art of Hoshigaki at Home|Jamie Feldmar|January 7, 2021|Eater
Though there are dozens of types of persimmons, the two most common are tall, teardrop-shaped hachiyas and squat fuyus that resemble miniature pumpkins.
The Art of Hoshigaki at Home|Jamie Feldmar|January 7, 2021|Eater
Sakai instructed us to dip each persimmon in a pot of boiling water for a second or two to sterilize them.
The Art of Hoshigaki at Home|Jamie Feldmar|January 7, 2021|Eater

I do and soon hold a box heavy with gotgam, dried persimmons, before the sun has fully risen.
The Meaning of Chuseok During a Pandemic Year|Nina Yun|October 9, 2020|Eater
Sometimes the flowers multiplied in shades of persimmon or turned into two-dimensional appliqué.
Miuccia Prada and Emporio Armani: Milan Spring 2013 Collections|Robin Givhan|September 21, 2012|DAILY BEAST
A popular sweet persimmon concoction accented with a lot of cinnamon is common to drink.
A Korean New Year's Day Menu|Kelly Choi|February 10, 2011|DAILY BEAST
The beautiful garden is completely bare except for one persimmon tree that has no leaves.
One Woman's Formula for Change|Lynn Sherr|March 12, 2010|DAILY BEAST
The persimmon has only about ten days in which it will fall bud.
Northern Nut Growers Association Thirty-Fourth Annual Report 1943|Various
Before he went he stopped for a word or a hand-shake with the patients, and settled the vexed question of Persimmon's victory.
Workhouse Characters|Margaret Wynne Nevinson
He likewise has persimmon trees upon his place and one of his apple trees is perhaps the largest apple tree in the state.
Lyman's History of old Walla Walla County, Vol. 2 (of 2)|William Denison Lyman
Buttons were obtained from persimmon seeds with holes pierced for eyes.
Historic Papers on the Causes of the Civil War|Mrs. Eugenia Dunlap Potts
The Japanese persimmon, which resembles a tomato in color, is the variety most frequently purchased.
Woman's Institute Library of Cookery, Vol. 5|Woman's Institute of Domestic Arts and Sciences

British Dictionary definitions for persimmon

persimmon

/ (pɜːˈsɪmən) /

noun

any of several tropical trees of the genus Diospyros, typically having hard wood and large orange-red fruit: family Ebenaceae

the sweet fruit of any of these trees, which is edible when completely ripe

Word Origin for persimmon

C17: of Algonquian origin; related to Delaware pasĭmĕnan dried fruit

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012