persimmon

[ per-sim-uhn ]

noun

1. 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.
2. the fruit itself.

persimmon

/ pɜːˈsɪmən /

noun

1. any of several tropical trees of the genus Diospyros, typically having hard wood and large orange-red fruit: family Ebenaceae
2. the sweet fruit of any of these trees, which is edible when completely ripe

Word History and Origins

Origin of persimmon¹

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”)

Word History and Origins

Origin of persimmon¹

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

Example Sentences

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.

From Washington Post

Though there are dozens of types of persimmons, the two most common are tall, teardrop-shaped hachiyas and squat fuyus that resemble miniature pumpkins.

From Eater

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.

From Eater

Sakai instructed us to dip each persimmon in a pot of boiling water for a second or two to sterilize them.

From Eater

I do and soon hold a box heavy with gotgam, dried persimmons, before the sun has fully risen.

From Eater

Sometimes the flowers multiplied in shades of persimmon or turned into two-dimensional appliqué.

From The Daily Beast

A popular sweet persimmon concoction accented with a lot of cinnamon is common to drink.

From The Daily Beast

The beautiful garden is completely bare except for one persimmon tree that has no leaves.

From The Daily Beast

The persimmon has only about ten days in which it will fall bud.

From Project Gutenberg

Before he went he stopped for a word or a hand-shake with the patients, and settled the vexed question of Persimmon's victory.

From Project Gutenberg

He likewise has persimmon trees upon his place and one of his apple trees is perhaps the largest apple tree in the state.

From Project Gutenberg

Buttons were obtained from persimmon seeds with holes pierced for eyes.

From Project Gutenberg

The Japanese persimmon, which resembles a tomato in color, is the variety most frequently purchased.

From Project Gutenberg