perm

1 of 2

noun

ˈpərm 

: permanent

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

With her toadstool-like jet-black perm and dark red lipstick, Haru is a striking presence, the sensuousness of her moves conveying both longing and sorrow. — Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026

Between the football, the success and the fashionable perm, that was the kind of popularity that Machtig Maus (Mighty Mouse) had. — James Pearce, New York Times, 22 July 2026

Verb

By a young age, Black girls are already perming [relaxing] their hair. — Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026

The 60-year-old had permed her hair every six weeks for 30 years before realizing that chemically straightening her hair had become a time-consuming and self-imposed obligation. — Annie Blay-Tettey, Allure, 29 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1927, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1928, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

perm

1 of 2 noun

ˈpərm 

: permanent entry 2

perm

2 of 2 verb

: to give (hair) a permanent