# palm

/ˈpɑɫm/ (US) · /pˈɑːm/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/palm
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. part of the hand

noun · CEFR A2

the flat, inner part of your hand between your wrist and your fingers.

For teachers: the ventral or volar surface of the human hand, extending from the wrist to the base of the fingers.

- She held the tiny bird gently in the palm of her hand.
- The fortune teller traced the deep lines across the man's palm, claiming they revealed a long and prosperous life ahead.

### 2. tropical tree

noun · CEFR A2

a tall tree that grows in hot countries and has long leaves at the top.

For teachers: any of various evergreen trees of the family Arecaceae, typically characterized by an unbranched trunk and a crown of large pinnate or palmate leaves.

- We sat under a palm tree on the beach to get some shade.
- The coastline was fringed with towering palms that swayed rhythmically in the humid tropical breeze.

### 3. symbol of victory

noun · CEFR C2 · Literary

a leaf from a palm tree used as a symbol of winning or success.

For teachers: a branch or leaf of the palm tree used historically as a symbol of triumph, excellence, or rejoicing.

- In the old story, the hero was awarded a palm for his bravery.
- The victorious general was greeted with palms and hymns as he entered the city gates after the long campaign.

### 5. to grip with the hand

verb · CEFR B2

to pick up or hold something using only the palm of your hand.

For teachers: to grasp or lift an object using the palm, often without wrapping the fingers entirely around it.

- The basketball player was tall enough to palm the ball with one hand.
- He managed to palm the heavy stone sphere, lifting it just high enough to clear the pedestal.

## Examples

- He held the small bird gently in his palm.
- She rested her chin in her palm while she waited for the bus to arrive.
- The fortune teller traced the deep lines across the traveler's palm, claiming each crease represented a significant choice made in a previous life.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.