prim
1[ prim ]
/ prɪm /
adjective, prim·mer, prim·mest.
formally precise or proper, as persons or behavior; stiffly neat.
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.
QUIZZES
DISCOVER THE INFLUENCE OF PORTUGUESE ON ENGLISH VIA THIS QUIZ!
We’ve gathered some interesting words donated to English from Portuguese … as well as some that just don’t translate at all. Do you know what they mean?
Question 1 of 11
Which of the following animal names traces its immediate origin to Portuguese?
Origin of prim
1First recorded in1675–85; origin uncertain
OTHER WORDS FROM prim
primly, adverbprimness, nounun·primmed, adjectiveDefinition for prim (2 of 3)
Origin of prim
2First recorded in 1565–75; shortening of earlier primprint privet < ?
Definition for prim (3 of 3)
prim.
primary.
primitive.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for prim
Now, there—you see how powerful the propaganda of the Prims can be?
Two Plus Two Makes Crazy|Walt SheldonIt was midnight when the Prims and their guests arose from the table.
The Oakdale Affair|Edgar Rice BurroughsIt was one of the pamphlets the Prims were always leaving around.
Two Plus Two Makes Crazy|Walt Sheldon
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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