sugarplum

noun

sug·​ar·​plum ˈshu̇-gər-ˌpləm How to pronounce sugarplum (audio)
: a small candy in the shape of a ball or disk : sweetmeat

Examples of sugarplum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In a holiday full of classic confections — candy canes, gingerbread and sugarplums — there's one that's showing up less often: fruitcake. Juliette Arcodia, NBC news, 24 Dec. 2025 There used to be a spelling distinction between sugarplums (the fruit) and sugar plums (the candy). Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 19 Dec. 2025 But if visions of sugarplums and freshly cooked ham feel like a nightmare before Christmas, some Sacramento-area eateries will offer their culinary services on Dec. 25 for hungry last-minute shoppers, carolers and Christmas non-observers. Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 17 Dec. 2025 To achieve the proper sugarplum flush, start with a fuschia shade (Glossier’s Cloud Paint, Armani Beauty’s Cheek Tint Longwear Lightweight Liquid Blush or Summer Friday’s Butter Balm will do). Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 12 Dec. 2025 Setting sugarplum fantasies of Giannis Antetokounmpo aside, was this the best player the Magic could reasonably acquire with their pick haul? John Hollinger, New York Times, 16 June 2025 Simply put, the private wealth planning community is losing sleep, not over visions of sugarplums in the winter holiday season, but over how to handle the uncertainty of a drastically lower exemption amount that may kick in as of January 2026. Darren T. Case, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025 Does Gomez have iridescent bubbles and pink ballgowns on the brain, or are visions of sugarplums dancing in her head? Kara Nesvig, Allure, 20 Dec. 2024 Cup it between frostbitten fingertips like sugarplum kisses and popcorn strung on ribbon. Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 10 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1627, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sugarplum was in 1627

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sugarplum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sugarplum. Accessed 5 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

sugarplum

noun
sug·​ar·​plum ˈshu̇g-ər-ˌpləm How to pronounce sugarplum (audio)
: a round piece of candy
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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