prouder; proudest
1
a
: very happy and pleased because of something you have done, something you own, someone you know or are related to, etc. : feeling pride
They are the proud parents of a hero.
I was proud that I never gave in.
She's the proud owner of a new car.
—often + ofI am proud of what we have accomplished.
She's very proud of her daughter.
He has a record to be proud of.
—sometimes followed by to + verbI'm proud to know him.
b
: causing someone to feel very happy and pleased : causing a feeling of pride
It was one of the proudest moments of my life. [=when I felt most proud]
Her proudest accomplishment was to finish school.
2
disapproving
: having or showing the attitude of people who think that they are better or more important than others : having or showing too much pride
He has a proud manner.
a proud and opinionated person
3
: not wanting to lose the respect of other people : not willing to accept help from other people
She's too proud to accept their charity.
4
: excellent or impressive
They have a proud record of public service.
a proud [=large and impressive] castle
5
literary, of an animal
: having a lot of strength and spirit
a proud horse/stallion
Cite this Entry
“Proud.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/proud. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
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