prim

verb

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\ ˈprim

primmed; primming

Definition of prim

(Entry 1 of 3)

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

adjective

primmer; primmest

Definition of prim (Entry 2 of 3)

1a : stiffly formal and proper : decorous

b : prudish

2 : neat, trim prim hedges

prim

abbreviation

Definition of prim (Entry 3 of 3)

1 primary

2 primitive

Other Words from prim Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More About prim

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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 Weiss is a small, prim, grim man who’s never gotten the job done. — Brian T. Allen, National Review, 4 Nov. 2021 Sometimes in period films, the presentation of (female characters) can be very prim and uptight but everyone in this film is quite messy and human. — Angela Dawson, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2021 She carefully and beautifully finds ways to make a prim character warm and strong. — Matthew J. Palm, orlandosentinel.com, 31 Oct. 2021 Even for dressier occasions, Holmes is still putting comfort first with prim kitten heels and beautifully crafted pumps. — Vogue, 20 Oct. 2021 But prim, law-abiding Western nations would likely follow such rules, entrenching the competitive asymmetries that got us here in the first place. — Nicholas Phillips, National Review, 19 Oct. 2021 This season, pleating isn’t just for the prim and proper, and it’s not just for skirts! — Madeline Fass, Vogue, 5 Oct. 2021 This is mixed with a shaggy sofa in white faux fur and two prim Empire side chairs. — Judy Rose, Detroit Free Press, 25 Sep. 2021 Consider the Croissant the slightly older, more prim sister of the Baguette. — Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 22 Sep. 2021

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

History and Etymology for prim

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.

Adjective

derivative of or akin to prim entry 1

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