prim

1 of 3

adjective

ˈprim 

primmer; primmest

1

a

: stiffly formal and proper : decorous

b

: prudish

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 mouthful

—John Buchan

2

: to dress primly

prim

3 of 3

abbreviation

1

primary

2

primitive

Synonyms

Adjective

• antiseptic
• bandbox
• crisp
• groomed
• kempt
• neat
• orderly
• picked up
• shipshape
• smug
• snug
• tidied
• tidy
• trig
• trim
• uncluttered
• well-groomed

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

And rarely has any Bridgerton heroine looked dreamier than Penelope, adorned by costume designer John Glazer in shimmering, elaborate constructions that read more fairy-tale fantasy than prim historical drama. —Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 May 2024

For example, Dinah was assigned a colonial house that felt more prim and proper, a little bit more from the upper East Coast. —Brande Victorian, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Apr. 2024

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

Kids Definition

prim

adjective

ˈprim

primmer; primmest

: very fussy about one's appearance and behavior

primly adverb

primness noun