# plume

/ˈpɫum/ (US) · /plˈuːm/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

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

## Definition

a tall, thin shape of smoke, dust, or water that rises into the air. It can also mean a large, soft feather used for decoration.

For teachers: a tall, spreading column of fluid, smoke, or particles moving through another medium; also refers to a large, ornamental feather. Often used in scientific contexts to describe volcanic ash or underwater thermal vents.

## Examples

- A thick plume of smoke rose from the chimney.
- Geologists monitored the massive plume of ash as it drifted across the continent after the eruption.
- The satellite imagery captured a distinct thermal plume rising from the ocean floor, indicating significant volcanic activity beneath the waves.

## Usage notes

- Commonly followed by the preposition 'of' to specify the material, such as 'a plume of smoke' or 'a plume of steam'.

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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.