B2noun2K

Palm

UK /["/pɑːm/"]/US /["/pɑːm/"]/

Definition

a straight tree with a mass of long leaves at the top, growing in tropical countries. There are several types of palm tree, some of which produce fruit.

In simple words: The inside part of your hand from the wrist to the fingers.

Examples

  • She has a small tattoo on her left palm.
  • The fortune teller studied the lines on his palm carefully.
  • They sat under the shade of a tall palm to escape the sun.
  • He carried a bunch of dates picked fresh from the palm tree.
  • She held the small bird gently in the palm of her hand.
  • The palm leaves rustled softly in the gentle breeze.
  • After the hike, his palm was sweaty and dirty.

Usage notes

Used in everyday conversation; not typically used in formal writing. Commonly used when referring to hands, such as 'He raised his palm to shield his eyes.'

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of a 'pal' who gives you a high five with their open palm.

Collocations

  • coconut
  • date
  • oil
  • tree
  • branch
  • frond
  • soft
  • sweaty
  • warm
  • hold up
  • raise
  • extend
  • sweat
  • face
  • rest
  • reader
  • reading
  • print
  • against your palms
  • between your palms
  • in your palm

Synonyms

  • bribe

Antonyms

  • backhand

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'palm tree' – referring to the tree instead of the hand.
  • Mispronounced as 'pahm' instead of 'palm'.
  • Using 'palms' incorrectly as a singular noun.