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

And then there’s the prim and unfriendly Stagg, who doesn’t play well with others, who insists on having the office to himself, and who refuses to let the affable Krick be a part of his reports to Ike and the rest of the generals. —Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 29 May 2026

They’re being taught how to look prim and proper while pouring the perfect cup of tea. —Shannon Carlin, Time, 6 May 2026

Just an hour outside New York City lies a prim and proper Colonial compound steeped in history. —Tori Latham, Robb Report, 30 Apr. 2026

Split the difference in your own pair with a prim, preppy jacket, luxe snakeskin flats, and chic gold jewelry; you’re all set for a fancy dinner or happy hour. —Kelsey Stiegman, Glamour, 27 Apr. 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