1 prim | Definition of prim

prim

verb
\ ˈprim How to pronounce prim (audio) \
primmed; primming

Definition of prim

 (Entry 1 of 3)

transitive verb

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

prim

adjective
primmer; primmest

Definition of prim (Entry 2 of 3)

1a : stiffly formal and proper : decorous
b : prudish
2 : neat, trim prim hedges

Definition of prim (Entry 3 of 3)

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Other Words from prim

Adjective

primly adverb
primness noun

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: Adjective

There’s something about plaid pants — collegiate yet cool, nerdy yet swaggering, prim yet slightly punky. — Sharon Graubard, courant.com, "Fashion report: Cool classics for fall," 15 Aug. 2019 For all the prim and proper glamour at the annual Cannes Film Festival, there are always a few fashion and beauty wild cards. — Jenna Rennert, Vogue, "Marion Cotillard Breaks Red Carpet Beauty Rules With an Ab Reveal at Cannes," 22 May 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'prim.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of prim

Verb

1707, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1702, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for prim

Verb

origin unknown

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More Definitions for prim

prim

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of prim

: very formal and proper
: easily shocked or upset by rude behavior, comments, etc.
: very neat in appearance

prim

adjective
\ ˈprim How to pronounce prim (audio) \
primmer; primmest

Kids Definition of prim

: very formal and proper

Other Words from prim

primly adverb
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