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Synonyms

priming

American  
[prahy-ming] / ˈpraɪ mɪŋ /

noun

  1. the powder or other material used to ignite a charge.

  2. the act of a person or thing that primes.

  3. material used as a primer, or a first coat or layer of paint, size, etc.


priming British  
/ ˈpraɪmɪŋ /

noun

  1. something used to prime

  2. a substance, used to ignite an explosive charge

"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

Other Word Forms

  • self-priming adjective

Etymology

Origin of priming

First recorded in 1590–1600; prime + -ing 1

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Their regular season consists of priming pitchers for October, not padding their resumes for awards.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026

While speaking to Earth via a video link on Thursday, mission specialist Koch mentioned there had been a slight "priming" issue with the toilet.

From BBC • Apr. 5, 2026

After years of priming us to expect speedy deliveries, the ever-growing e-commerce economy is weaning us off them—and no one seems to mind.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 7, 2026

As Barron’s wrote last November, the company has been priming investors for the loss of Apple’s sales for years, and it may already be factored into the stock price.

From Barron's • Jan. 9, 2026

Trying not to put in too much or too little, he trickled fine firing grains into the priming pan beneath the hammer lock and flint.

From "The Fighting Ground" by Avi