Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
×

proem

noun pro·em \ ˈprō-ˌem , -əm \

Definition of proem

1 : preliminary comment : preface
2 : prelude
—

proemial

play \prō-ˈē-mē-əl, -ˈe-\ adjective

Examples of proem in a Sentence

  1. the proem promises what the book does not deliver: a totally new interpretation of the French Revolution

Origin and Etymology of proem

Middle English proheme, from Anglo-French proeme, from Latin prooemium, from Greek prooimion, from pro- + oimē song; probably akin to Hittite išamai- song, Sanskrit syati he binds — more at sinew

Other Literature Terms

apophasis, bathos, bildungsroman, bowdlerize, caesura, coda, doggerel, euphemism, poesy, prosody

Learn More about proem

  1. See words that rhyme with proem Britannica English: Translation of proem for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up proem? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

WORD OF THE DAY

balmy

play

soothing, mild, or foolish

Get Word of the Day daily email!

TRENDING NOW

  1. asylum 'protection from arrest and extradition given especially to political refugees'

  2. insubordinate 'disobedient to authority'

  3. promulgate 'to make known by open declaration'

  4. epochal 'momentous or unparalleled'

  5. clemency 'merciful treatment of someone who could be given harsh punishment'

SEE ALL

BROWSE DICTIONARY

proem

Test Your Vocabulary

Name More Food!

  • red-fruit
  • Name that Fruit!
Name That Thing

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Add Diction

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games