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

---

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• self-priming
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of priming

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

Example Sentences

Nasdaq is changing its procedures to put SpaceX in funds based on it and priming the pump to do the same with Anthropic and OpenAI, which have historically burned through cash.

From Slate • Jun. 5, 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

I can’t make you reveal deeply personal details about your childhood by priming you with words like “nap” and “bottle” and “teddy bear.”

From "Blink" by Malcolm Gladwell

Related Words

• conference
• discussion
• information
• instruction
• meeting
• update