palm: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal and informal contexts depending on usage. The botanical term is more formal.
Quick answer
What does “palm” mean?
The inner surface of the hand between the wrist and fingers.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The inner surface of the hand between the wrist and fingers; the central part of the hand used for holding.
A type of tropical tree with a straight trunk, large leaves at the top, and no branches. Also, a symbol of victory, triumph, or peace, and the act of concealing something in one's hand.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. Minor differences in collocations and historical references.
Connotations
Both share the same primary meanings. The 'tree' meaning strongly evokes tropical holidays for both groups.
Frequency
Both meanings are common. The body part is slightly more frequent in general speech.
Grammar
How to Use “palm” in a Sentence
palm (something) off (on/onto someone)to palm (an object)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “palm” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He tried to palm off the counterfeit notes in the market.
- The magician palmed the coin expertly.
American English
- He palmed the basketball before making the shot.
- The dealer tried to palm off the damaged goods.
adjective
British English
- The hotel had a beautiful palm-fringed beach.
- He bought some palm sugar for the recipe.
American English
- They admired the palm-studded coastline.
- The soap contains sustainable palm kernel oil.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in 'palm off' meaning to pass an undesirable item/task to someone, or in industries related to palm oil or tourism.
Academic
Frequent in botanical, biological, geographical, and historical texts (e.g., 'palm species', 'palliative care involves greasing the patient's palm').
Everyday
Common for describing the body part and tropical trees ('I got a splinter in my palm', 'They sat under a palm tree').
Technical
Used in anatomy (thenar eminence, palmar fascia), botany (Arecaceae family), and magic/card tricks ('to palm a card').
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “palm”
- Incorrect plural: 'palms' (correct), not 'palm' for multiple trees/hands.
- Misspelling as 'pam' or 'palm tree' as 'palm tree'.
- Confusing 'palm' with 'paw' for animals.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are homographs – spelled and pronounced the same but have different historical origins (Latin 'palma' for both, but the tree meaning came from the resemblance of its frond to an outstretched hand).
Yes, 'palms' is the standard plural for the inner surface of multiple hands.
It is a phrasal verb meaning to deceive someone by persuading them to accept something of low quality or to get rid of an unwanted item or task by giving it to someone else.
In standard British and American pronunciations, the 'l' is silent: /pɑːm/. In some careful American pronunciations, a faint /l/ sound might be heard: /pɑlm/.
The inner surface of the hand between the wrist and fingers.
Palm is usually formal and informal contexts depending on usage. the botanical term is more formal. in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “grease someone's palm”
- “hold in the palm of one's hand”
- “have an itchy palm”
- “know something like the palm of one's hand”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
A PALM tree is so tall, you need to put your PALM on your forehead to shade your eyes to look at it.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTROL IS HOLDING IN THE PALM (e.g., 'He had the audience in the palm of his hand').
Practice
Quiz
In the idiom 'to have someone in the palm of your hand', what does it mean?