prime rate

noun

: an interest rate formally announced by a bank to be the lowest available at a particular time to its most credit-worthy customers

called also prime interest rate

Examples of prime rate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The People's Bank of China held the 1-year loan prime rate at 3.0% and 5-year LPR at 3.5%, according to a statement Friday, in line with Reuters poll estimates. Anniek Bao, CNBC, 20 June 2025 China’s central bank made its first cut to its loan prime rates in seven months in a move welcomed by investors eager for more stimulus as the world’s second largest economy feels the pinch of Trump’s higher tariffs. Matt Ott, Chicago Tribune, 20 May 2025 China’s central bank made its first cut to its loan prime rates in seven months in a move welcomed by investors eager for more stimulus as the world’s second-largest economy feels the pinch of Trump’s higher tariffs. Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2025 Look at how the prime rate exceeded 20% back in 1980. Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for prime rate

Word History

First Known Use

1924, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of prime rate was in 1924

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Cite this Entry

“Prime rate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prime%20rate. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

Legal Definition

prime rate

noun
: an interest rate formally announced by a bank to be the lowest available at a particular time to its most creditworthy customers

called also prime, prime interest rate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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