1855–60; < Medieval Latin prīmus, noun use of Latin adj.; see prime
1790–1800; < Latin prīmus; see prime
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
When the prime minister addresses the cabinet, not far away in 10 Downing Street, he is primus inter pares, first among equals, sitting among his or her ministers.
From BBC ● Jul. 8, 2025
The Nationalist military chieftains who elevated Francisco Franco to supreme power may initially have thought of their leader as a sort of primus inter pares, but this notion did not accord with Franco’s ideas.
From Slate ● Feb. 9, 2017
The invitation looks like a mistaken act of over-compensation, an effort to make sure the UK, an early backmarker, reverted to its traditional position of primus inter pares, the Special One.
From The Guardian ● Jan. 31, 2017
He was acknowledged to be the primus inter pares of the Italian composers of the day.
From The Guardian ● Sep. 17, 2010
The Old Dominion was accustomed to thinking of itself as primus inter pares in any confederation of states.
From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis
Both Primus and Romig said the Social Security Administration needs more staffing to handle the current workflow, no matter how the work is organized.
From MarketWatch ● Jan. 20, 2026
The contemporary, Earthly versions of the characters, played by Betty Buckley and Barry Primus at the start of their film, bicker on their way to their daughter’s gender reveal party.
From Salon ● Nov. 27, 2025
The Primus track sounds like a Primus track.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 17, 2024
Still, Professor Primus and other legal experts who have followed the case say the successful prosecution of Ms. Crumbley, 45, provides a template for prosecutors around the country to pursue similar cases.
From New York Times ● Feb. 6, 2024
"Something must have disturbed the horses," said Primus, concerned.
From "Stardust" by Neil Gaiman
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
