prim

¹ American  

[prim] / prɪm /

adjective

primmer, primmest

1. formally precise or proper, as persons or behavior; stiffly neat.

   Synonyms:

   rigid , formal , prissy

   Antonyms:

   flexible

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

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verb (used without object)

primmed, primming

1. to draw up the mouth in an affectedly nice or precise way.

verb (used with object)

primmed, primming

1. to make prim, as in appearance.

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

prim ² American  

[prim] / prɪm /

noun

1. privet.

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prim. ³ American  

abbreviation

1. primary.

2. primitive.

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prim British  

/ prɪm /

adjective

1. affectedly proper, precise, or formal

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verb

1. (tr) to make prim

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

Other Word Forms

• primly adverb
• primness noun

Etymology

Origin of prim¹

First recorded in 1675–85; origin uncertain

Origin of prim¹

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

Example Sentences

Everything is prim, but the picture’s mood is as weirdly glum as it is exuberant.

From The Wall Street Journal

If Miss America is prim and studious, competing for university scholarships, think of Miss USA as the racier sister.

From The Wall Street Journal

This bold diagonal, cut through the prim Quaker street grid, produced a great many awkwardly shaped blocks, including the pointy trapezoid between the Parkway and the Vine Street Expressway that houses Calder Gardens.

From The Wall Street Journal

Early in her career, Swift had a reputation for being prim and proper.

From The Wall Street Journal

"The album is not for any pearl clutchers," she told CBS News, with reference to prim, prudish or easily offended people.

From BBC

Related Words

• demure