primp
Americanverb (used with object)
verb (used without object)
verb
Etymology
Origin of primp
First recorded in 1795–1805; akin to prim 1
Explanation
Primp is a word that is best illustrated by girls getting ready for a ball––it means to groom yourself elaborately. Primp is a word that was very popular in the 19th century. In "Little Women" and other novels by Louisa May Alcott, girls waste much time primping, when they ought to be grooming their character and thinking about their behavior instead.
Vocabulary lists containing primp
Face It: Selfie Vocab
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Death of a Salesman
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Ghost
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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.
Contestants primp and pose for what they think will be selfies, never suspecting that to those running the game, they’re just a face and a number.
From Salon • Dec. 26, 2024
So until it gets fleshed out, they borrow from the boys and primp it up just a little.
From Washington Post • Mar. 6, 2019
Pardew was hired with a brief to unlock the talents of some ambitious signings, relax his players, primp the brand.
From The Guardian • May 12, 2018
The ladies smiled and pretended to primp their hair, like Betty Boops of the Regency.
From Slate • Mar. 6, 2018
Not to primp, comb his hair, shave, or to practice sneering.
From "The Milagro Beanfield War" by John Nichols
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
