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

Yet just 18 months later the recurring conversation at Westminster is whether he will still be prime minister this time next year.

From BBC

Tressa Burke, chief executive of the Glasgow Disability Alliance, was recognised by the prime minister for her services to people with disabilities.

From BBC

The apology was welcomed by the prime minister's spokesman on Monday.

From BBC

On becoming prime minister in 1997, Blair committed New Labour to set up a 60-member Welsh assembly which would take over responsibility for a £7bn budget from the UK cabinet's Welsh secretary.

From BBC

Her son Rahman will lead the party through the February 12 general election, and is expected to be put forward as prime minister if his party wins a majority.

From Barron's