perm

1 of 2

noun

perm

2 of 2

verb

permed; perming; perms

transitive verb

: to give (hair) a permanent wave

Examples of perm in a Sentence

Noun She got a perm last week. Verb She got her hair permed at the salon.
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.
Noun
Visually, it is defined by sequined dresses and star Blake Lively’s gigantic crimson perm. Coleman Spilde, Vulture, 12 Aug. 2024 Watch her already-hilarious SNL promo above, and then check out 21 vintage photos that prove Jean Smart has always been the coolest, hottest woman alive (in a way that not even the pervasive perm trend of the 1980s could damage): WATCH Sydney Sweeney Has a Spare Wig in Her Miu Miu Bag. Emma Specter, Vogue, 28 Sep. 2024
Verb
He’s got locs now, but before then, he could’ve been seen with his hair permed, straightened, platted, in an Afro, accessorized, and at times topped off with a funky hat or silk headscarf. Julian Randall, Essence, 15 Oct. 2024 It’s gained popularity in the U.S. and South Korea for helping replenish hair with just one use, especially after dyeing, perming, and other chemical hair treatments. Devon Abelman, Allure, 2 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for perm 

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1927, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1928, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of perm was in 1927

Dictionary Entries Near perm

Cite this Entry

“Perm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perm. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

perm

1 of 2 noun

perm

2 of 2 verb
: to give (hair) a permanent

More from Merriam-Webster on perm

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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