preppy

noun prep·py \ ˈpre-pē \

variants: or preppie

Updated on: 16 Apr 2018

Definition of preppy

plural preppies

1 : a student at or a graduate of a preparatory school

2 : a person deemed to dress or behave like a preppy

See preppy defined for English-language learners

Origin and Etymology of preppy

¹prep

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1928

See Words from the same year

preppy

adjective

variants: or preppie

Definition of preppy

1 : relating to, characteristic of, or being a preppy

2 : relating to or being a style of dress characterized especially by classic clothing and neat appearance

—

preppily

play \ˈpre-pə-lē\ adverb

—

preppiness

play \ˈpre-pē-nəs\ noun

Recent Examples of preppy from the Web

Brielle, in particular, is a bright spot as Sarika Sarkar, a preppy outfit-sporting smartypants who sees right through Jack and his foolishness.

— kristi turnquist, OregonLive.com, "Portland native Aparna Brielle on playing a brainy student in NBC's 'A.P. Bio'," 5 Apr. 2018
Reese Witherspoon’s Draper James has teamed up for a third time with classic, all-American shoe brand Jack Rogers on a collection of six new styles that are classic, preppy and cute.

— kami phillips, PEOPLE.com, "Draper James x Jack Rogers' New Sandals Are Here and They're Perfect For Spring," 23 Feb. 2018
She dresses and behaves like a demure preppy debutante because playing the brat is undignified.

— colin covert, Detroit Free Press, "Review: ‘Thoroughbreds’ is a wickedly good noir gem," 8 Mar. 2018
The eclectic effect also extended to the styling of the clothes, which included preppy tartans, marigold sweaters, sweet floral georgette dresses, and some terrific leathers and shearlings in distressed textures or juicy colors.

— cathy horyn, The Cut, "Jacobs Fights the Bulls, Kors Goes for Showbiz," 15 Feb. 2018
The school’s colors, pink and green, boosted its preppy reputation.

— abigail jones, Newsweek, "The End of Sweet Briar College and the Problem With Women's Colleges," 29 Apr. 2015
The partnership does indeed seem a match made in designer heaven, what with Pottery Barn's tailored and craftsmanlike design, and Lilly's preppy-fun vibrant prints.

— leah silverman, Town & Country, "Lilly Pulitzer and Pottery Barn Are Creating A Home Decor Line," 22 Feb. 2018
The preppy men walking down the runway at New York Fashion Week fall 2018 had a thick contour, Glossier-worthy brows, and shiny, shiny hair.

— sarah spellings, The Cut, "This Show’s Male Models Wore Kardashian-Level Contouring," 12 Feb. 2018
Bella Hadid has a penchant for giving preppy fashion staples an edgy new twist.

— maria ward, Vogue, "Bella Hadid Goes Anti-Prep in a Burberry Trench," 31 Jan. 2018

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

First Known Use of preppy

1900

PREPPY Defined for English Language Learners

preppy

noun

Definition of preppy for English Language Learners

: someone who dresses or acts like a student at a prep school (such as by wearing neat, somewhat formal clothing or by using particular words and phrases)

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First Known Use of preppy

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preppy

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First Known Use of preppy

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