prim

1 of 3

adjective

ˈprim 

primmer; primmest

1

a

: stiffly formal and proper : decorous

b

: prudish

2

: neat, trim

prim hedges

primly adverb

primness noun

prim

2 of 3

verb

primmed; primming

transitive verb

1

: to give a prim or demure expression to

… primming her thin lips after every mouthful …

—John Buchan

2

: to dress primly

prim

3 of 3

abbreviation

1

primary

2

primitive

Synonyms of prim

Adjective

• tidy
• trim
• neat
• tidied
• orderly

Examples of prim in a Sentence

Adjective

He has prim views on religion.

Her aunts were very prim and proper.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Chief among them is the late and especially great Dame Maggie Smith, who gave one of her most powerful and enduring performances as the prim and wise Violet Crawley. —Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Mar. 2026

Classic shapes like a neat overcoat, or prim skirt arrived in off-kilter colors and patterns. —Christina Holevas, Vogue, 3 Mar. 2026

However, your front yard doesn't need to feel too prim and proper. —Helena Madden, Martha Stewart, 27 Feb. 2026

Finnerty Mackay, who blended prim wool tailoring with Latex shirts and shaggy skirts, said his collection was inspired by addiction. —Violet Goldstone, Footwear News, 20 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

derivative of or akin to prim entry 2

Verb

earlier as intransitive verb, "to assume a formal or demure air," of obscure origin

Note: First attested in the comedies of Thomas d'urfey, as Fool's Preferment (1688) and The Marriage-Hater Match'd (1692). Akin in sense to primp, attested earlier, though the verb as well as the adjective primp "(of the mouth) pursed, primly set" are nearly exclusive to Scots and American English.

First Known Use

Adjective

1702, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1707, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for prim

• brim
• clim
• dim
• grim
• gym
• him
• hymn
• im
• limb
• mim
• rim
• scrim

Kids Definition

prim

adjective

ˈprim

primmer; primmest

: very fussy about one's appearance and behavior

primly adverb

primness noun