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
Noun
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 Despite the mustaches, shoulder pads, and perms, was the 80s the best generation yet? Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 10 Sep. 2024
Verb
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 But somewhere between washing and conditioning, my virgin hair had been permed. Valerie Butler, Essence, 6 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for perm 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'perm.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 11 Oct. 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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