prim
1[ prim ]
/ prɪm /
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adjective, prim·mer, prim·mest.
formally precise or proper, as persons or behavior; stiffly neat.
(especially of a woman or girl) excessively demure or modest.
verb (used without object), primmed, prim·ming.
to draw up the mouth in an affectedly nice or precise way.
verb (used with object), primmed, prim·ming.
to make prim, as in appearance.
to draw (one's face, lips, etc.) into a prim expression.
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Origin of prim
1First recorded in 1675–85; origin uncertain
OTHER WORDS FROM prim
prim·ly, adverbprim·ness, nounOther definitions for prim (2 of 3)
Origin of prim
2First recorded in 1565–75; shortening of earlier primprint privet < ?
Other definitions for prim (3 of 3)
prim.
abbreviation
primary.
primitive.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use prim in a sentence
For hornbook and primmer for Jenkins' girle to learn to read, 6d.
Notes and Queries for Worcestershire|John NoakeHe came to Knaresdean yesterday to communicate the news, and his neckcloth was primmer than ever.
Alice, or The Mysteries, Complete|Edward Bulwer-LyttonShe was sewing as for dear life, and her face was primmer and colder than ever.
Chronicles of Avonlea|Lucy Maud Montgomery
British Dictionary definitions for prim
prim
/ (prɪm) /
adjective primmer or primmest
affectedly proper, precise, or formal
verb prims, primming or primmed
(tr) to make prim
to purse (the mouth) primly or (of the mouth) to be so pursed
Derived forms of prim
primly, adverbprimness, nounWord Origin for prim
C18: of unknown origin
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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