prim

1 of 3

adjective

primmer; primmest
1
a
: stiffly formal and proper : decorous
b
2
: neat, trim
prim hedges
primly adverb
primness noun

prim

2 of 3

verb

primmed; primming

transitive verb

1
: to give a prim or demure expression to
primming her thin lips after every mouthfulJohn Buchan
2
: to dress primly

prim

3 of 3

abbreviation

Examples of prim in a Sentence

Adjective He has prim views on religion. Her aunts were very prim and proper.
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.
Adjective
Is she meant to be read as a little prim and repressed? Rachel Handler, Vulture, 30 Aug. 2024 Gomez and her boyfriend, producer Benny Blanco, chose a classic couples' costume for their weekend celebration, with Gomez looking prim and proper in a blonde wig and dusty blue Rodarte gown to play the role of Alice. Kara Nesvig, Allure, 28 Oct. 2024 This on-trend pick, available in classic light brown as well as more out-there colors like light pink, offers the same slip pockets and prim collar as true leather jackets, but at a much lower price. Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 17 Oct. 2024 Very Demure Choose more modest silhouettes with higher necklines and prim details for a refined look, from flutter sleeves to rounded necklines and long sleeves. Laura Lajiness Kaupke, Vogue, 25 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for prim 

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

derivative of or akin to prim entry 2

Verb

earlier as intransitive verb, "to assume a formal or demure air," of obscure origin

Note: First attested in the comedies of Thomas d'urfey, as Fool's Preferment (1688) and The Marriage-Hater Match'd (1692). Akin in sense to primp, attested earlier, though the verb as well as the adjective primp "(of the mouth) pursed, primly set" are nearly exclusive to Scots and American English.

First Known Use

Adjective

1702, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1707, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of prim was in 1702

Dictionary Entries Near prim

Cite this Entry

“Prim.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prim. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

prim

adjective
ˈprim
primmer; primmest
: very fussy about one's appearance and behavior
primly adverb
primness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on prim

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!