prim

[prim]

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR prim ON THESAURUS.COM

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.

Origin of prim

First recorded in 1675–85; origin uncertain

Related formsprim·ly, adverbprim·ness, nounun·primmed, adjective

Synonyms for prim

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR prim ON THESAURUS.COM

1. prissy, formal, rigid.

Antonyms for prim

1. flexible.

prim

[prim]

noun

privet.

Origin of prim

First recorded in 1565–75; shortening of earlier primprint privet < ?

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for prims

tidy, primp, educate, comb, prim, tend, prime, coach, drill, curry, refresh, sleek, train, refine, clean, ready, nurture, preen, dress, brush

Examples from the Web for prims

Historical Examples of prims

Now, there—you see how powerful the propaganda of the Prims can be?
Two Plus Two Makes Crazy
Walt Sheldon
It was one of the pamphlets the Prims were always leaving around.
Two Plus Two Makes Crazy
Walt Sheldon
It was midnight when the Prims and their guests arose from the table.
The Oakdale Affair
Edgar Rice Burroughs

British Dictionary definitions for prims

prim

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 Formsprimly, adverbprimness, noun

Word Origin for prim

C18: of unknown origin

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

Word Origin and History for prims

prim

1680s (v.) "to assume a formal, precise demeanor," perhaps from French prim "thin, small, delicate," from Old French prim "fine, delicate," from Latin primus "finest," literally "first" (see prime (adj.)). Later, "deck out, dress to effect" (1721). Attested as a noun from 1700. The adjective, the sole surviving sense, is from 1709. A cant word at first. Related: Primly; primness.