preppy

noun prep·py \ ˈpre-pē \

variants: or preppie

|Updated on: 24 Jun 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

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Prosecutors were referring to last week's court filing by Rizzo's lawyers, who said the millionaire executive was spit on and mocked as a kid, and shunned in high school by preppy Grosse Pointers.

— tresa baldas, Detroit Free Press, "Yearbook contradicts Chuck Rizzo bullying claims: He won best looking," 17 Apr. 2018
But instead of preppy Lilly Pulitzer threads, J.Crew cardigans, and coveted Diane von Furstenberg wrap dresses, there’s a distinctly different vibe in his newest venture, Thrive Exchange.

— janelle nanos, BostonGlobe.com, "The founder of 2nd Time Around tries a 3rd act on Newbury Street," 14 May 2018
Introducing 1901: formerly a men’s only brand, the new womenswear collection consists of preppy prints, colorful hues and classic silhouettes and includes an inclusive size range.

— kami phillips, PEOPLE.com, "8 Gorgeous Dresses from Nordstrom's New 1901 Line That Are Perfect for Spring," 21 Mar. 2018
Oh, the 80s. Popped collars, the generous pleats of Z. Cavaricci pants, the argyle for days, and the many peppy, preppy girls who happily answered to Jennifer, Jessica…or Muffy.

— liz krieger, Town & Country, "Why "Birdie" is the New "Muffy"," 10 July 2017
Even the green color seemed era-specific—post-psychedelic and pre-preppy, the same shade as the cannabis poster that had hung on his bedroom wall in Charleston.

— david gilbert, The New Yorker, "Fungus," 4 June 2017
Polo shirts were once considered the foundation of a preppy, all-American wardrobe, thanks to designers like Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger making them mainstays in their collection.

— shilpa prabhakar nadella, Glamour, "It's Time to Get Reacquainted With Polo Shirts," 22 May 2018
Neighbors said that in his youth, Pagourtzis stuck to preppy clothes - polo shirts and slacks.

— Anchorage Daily News, "School shooting suspect was nondescript, betraying growing darkness," 19 May 2018
Tory Burch’s Miller Belt Bag embodies the brand’s elegant-meets-preppy aesthetic.

— sari anne tuschman, latimes.com, "The fanny pack — yes, the fanny pack — is in the midst of a major comeback," 18 May 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

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

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)