prim

1
[ prim ]
See synonyms for prim on Thesaurus.com
adjective,prim·mer, prim·mest.
  1. formally precise or proper, as persons or behavior; stiffly neat.

  2. (especially of a woman or girl) excessively demure or modest.

verb (used without object),primmed, prim·ming.
  1. to draw up the mouth in an affectedly nice or precise way.

verb (used with object),primmed, prim·ming.
  1. to make prim, as in appearance.

  2. to draw (one's face, lips, etc.) into a prim expression.

Origin of prim

1
First recorded in 1675–85; origin uncertain

Other words for prim

Opposites for prim

Other words from prim

  • prim·ly, adverb
  • prim·ness, noun

Other definitions for prim (2 of 3)

prim2
[ prim ]

noun

Origin of prim

2
First recorded in 1565–75; shortening of earlier primprint privet < ?

Other definitions for prim. (3 of 3)

prim.

abbreviation
  1. primary.

  2. primitive.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use prim in a sentence

  • Extravagance and absurdity have still their law, and should pay as rigid obedience to it as the primmest things on earth.

  • "Thank you," she said, in her chillest and primmest fashion, as she withdrew from Ruth's embrace.

    Aunt Rachel | David Christie Murray
  • "There are compensations for all our troubles," said Miss Niffin in her primmest tone.

    Just Sixteen. | Susan Coolidge
  • With such mistresses as these, it is easy to see why Primrose Hall was the stiffest, primmest place in the whole world.

    The Staying Guest | Carolyn Wells
  • Your father is a gallant-hearted, soft-headed little doll; your mother the sweetest and primmest of dolls.

    Paul Kelver | Jerome Klapka, AKA Jerome K. Jerome

British Dictionary definitions for prim

prim

/ (prɪm) /


adjectiveprimmer or primmest
  1. affectedly proper, precise, or formal

verbprims, primming or primmed
  1. (tr) to make prim

  2. to purse (the mouth) primly or (of the mouth) to be so pursed

Origin of prim

1
C18: of unknown origin

Derived forms of prim

  • primly, adverb
  • primness, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012