prime minister

American  

noun

1. the principal minister and head of government in parliamentary systems; chief of the cabinet or ministry.

   the British prime minister.

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prime minister British  

noun

1. the head of a parliamentary government

2. the chief minister of a sovereign or a state

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prime minister Cultural  

1. The head of government in many nations. Prime minister is commonly the title of the head of government in a parliamentary system, such as that of Britain or Canada.

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Other Word Forms

• prime ministership noun
• prime ministry noun
• prime-ministerial adjective
• prime-ministership noun

Etymology

Origin of prime minister

First recorded in 1640–50

Example Sentences

"Of course, until yesterday the prime minister was claiming that this leadership had brought order to the chaos of illegal subsidies," it said.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

"Is Netanyahu real or AI?" an internet headline blared, pointing to a video that supposedly showed the Israeli prime minister with six fingers.

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

The prime minister told a news conference he would use a summit with the EU later this year to seek more cooperation with the bloc on the economy and security.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

Having stressed the economic impact of the Iran conflict, the prime minister then stressed the economic dividends he hopes to secure from a closer post-Brexit relationship.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

“I’m not sure I’ve ever served the king,” said the king’s prime minister.

From "The Left Hand of Darkness" by Ursula K. Le Guin