damson

[ dam-zuhn, -suhn ]

noun

1. Also called damson plum. the small, dark-blue or purple fruit of a plum, Prunus insititia, of the rose family, introduced into Europe from Asia Minor.
2. a medium to dark violet.

adjective

1. of the color damson.

damson

/ ˈdæmzən /

noun

1. a small rosaceous tree, Prunus domestica instititia (or P. instititia ), cultivated for its blue-black edible plumlike fruit and probably derived from the bullace See also plum 1
2. the fruit of this tree

Word History and Origins

Origin of damson¹

1350–1400; Middle English damascene, damson < Latin ( prūnum ) Damascēnum (plum) of Damascus; Damascene

Word History and Origins

Origin of damson¹

C14: from Latin prūnum Damascēnum Damascus plum

Example Sentences

This applies to lots of fruits that are the same colour including damsons, sloes and juniper berries.

From Science Daily

If sloe berries aren’t readily available, you can substitute damsons, a similar fruit, or experiment with any fruits and a base of gin or even vodka.

From Washington Times

The Royal Lancaster London hotel near Hyde Park is serving afternoon tea inspired by Charles’ favorites: roast beef sandwiches, darjeeling tea and damson plum mousse.

From Seattle Times

The tannins are a bit sturdy, but the fruit is expansive, with bright Bing cherry dominating, then yielding to damson plum and hints of sage and rosemary.

From Washington Post

His wife uses home-grown fruit, such as apples, damsons and plums, for festive crumbles, jams and chutneys.

From BBC