Definition

A type of small plum that has yellowish-green skin and sweet flesh, often used for eating or cooking.

Example

I bought a basket of greengages from the farmer's market to make a pie.

Conversation

Have you ever tried a greengage?

No, I haven't! What are they like?

They're sweet and juicy, really delicious.

I need to find some and taste them myself!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Greengage → The word 'greengage' is derived from 'green' (from Old English 'grēne', meaning of the color green) and 'gage' (from Old French 'gage', meaning a pledge or a promise). The term refers to a type of green plum that is often sweet and juicy, thus combining the color descriptor with the idea of a fruit that is a pledge of sweetness.

Memory Tip

Think of the color 'green' representing the fruit's appearance and 'gage' suggesting a promise of sweetness — that's why a greengage is a sweet green plum.

Visually Confused Words