Definition of primer
1 : a small book for teaching children to read
2 : a small introductory book on a subject
3 : a short informative piece of writing
Explore M-W
Recent Examples of primer from the Web
-
Here is a primer on the history of Syria’s chemical stockpile, the effort to eliminate it and experts’ views on the new attack.
-
And Sundance Now offers a film primer in preparation for the Trump presidency.
-
And Sundance Now offers a film primer in preparation for the Trump presidency.
-
Waldman really is a nerd (in a good way), and her book is an engaging and deeply researched primer on a taboo subject and a compelling case for more research on it.
-
Give a volunteer a smart, witty, only occasionally poky primer on the science of reading.
-
(Quick primer: Shingles results from the same virus that causes chickenpox, which nearly all older Americans have had.
-
Mr. Judah, a reporter for the Economist, also offers a travelogue, a primer on Ukrainian culture and an oral history of the country.
-
Lawmakers face an Oct. 31 deadline to choose a primer minister; otherwise, parliament would be dissolved and a new one elected in December.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'primer'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Did You Know?
Primers were once a standard part of every child's education. The first primer printed in North America, The New England Primer (ca. 1690), was typical; it contained many quotations from the Bible and many moral lessons, and the text was accompanied by numerous woodcut illustrations. We no longer use the word in early education, but it's widely used in everyday speech. Notice how primer is pronounced; don't mix it up with the kind of paint that's pronounced with a long *i *sound.
Origin and Etymology of primer
Middle English, layperson's prayer book, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin primarium, from Late Latin, neuter of primarius primary
First Known Use: 14th century
Other Education Terms
Definition of primer
1 : a device for priming; especially : a cap, tube, or wafer containing percussion powder or compound used to ignite an explosive charge
2 : material used in priming a surface —called also prime coat
3 : a molecule (such as a short strand of RNA or DNA) whose presence is required for formation of another molecule (such as a longer chain of DNA)
Recent Examples of primer from the Web
-
Here is a primer on the history of Syria’s chemical stockpile, the effort to eliminate it and experts’ views on the new attack.
-
And Sundance Now offers a film primer in preparation for the Trump presidency.
-
And Sundance Now offers a film primer in preparation for the Trump presidency.
-
Waldman really is a nerd (in a good way), and her book is an engaging and deeply researched primer on a taboo subject and a compelling case for more research on it.
-
Give a volunteer a smart, witty, only occasionally poky primer on the science of reading.
-
(Quick primer: Shingles results from the same virus that causes chickenpox, which nearly all older Americans have had.
-
Mr. Judah, a reporter for the Economist, also offers a travelogue, a primer on Ukrainian culture and an oral history of the country.
-
Lawmakers face an Oct. 31 deadline to choose a primer minister; otherwise, parliament would be dissolved and a new one elected in December.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'primer'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
1650
First Known Use of primer
1650
PRIMER Defined for Kids
primer
playDefinition of primer for Students
1 : a small book for teaching children to read
2 : a book or other writing that introduces a subject
Medical Dictionary
primer
playMedical Definition of primer
: a molecule (as a short strand of RNA or DNA) whose presence is required for formation of another molecule (as a longer chain of DNA)
Learn More about primer
-
See words that rhyme with primer Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for primer Spanish Central: Translation of primer Nglish: Translation of primer for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about primer
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up primer? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!