prom

¹ American  

[prom] / prɒm /

noun

1. a formal dance, especially one held by a high school or college class at the end of an academic year.

---

PROM ² American  

[prom] / prɒm /

noun

Computers.

1. a memory chip whose contents can be programmed by a user or manufacturer for a specific purpose.

---

prom. ³ American  

abbreviation

1. promontory.

---

prom ¹ British  

/ prɒm /

noun

1. short for promenade promenade concert

2. informal short for promenade

---

PROM ² British  

/ prɒm /

acronym

1. programmable read only memory

---

Etymology

Origin of prom¹

1890–95, short for promenade

Origin of PROM²

p(rogrammable) r(ead)-o(nly) m(emory)

Explanation

A prom is a formal dance at the end of a school year. For many American high schools, the senior prom is a big deal. Kids get dressed up and then get embarrassed by parents who take too many photos. Students going to a prom will sometimes rent limousines to get there, and dress in fancy gowns and tuxedos. The prom itself is generally a much fancier version of a school dance, often held in a hotel or a gussied-up school gymnasium. The word dates from the late nineteenth century, an American English shortening of promenade, which means "to stroll," but also "to dance in couples with joined hands."

Example Sentences

"A big aspect of prom is how big can you go," she said.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

We did every major event here, prom, homecoming, all the homies would come here and take photos across the different points of the house.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026

Miller not only works, but she also didn’t have kids until her 30s — well over a decade older than the high school kids who anger her by prioritizing prom and graduation over baby-making.

From Salon • Apr. 13, 2026

Kelechukwu Mpamaugo, a finalist in the graduate category, wore her high school prom dress.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

The walls are cluttered with the headless pictures of our first days of school every year, our Communions, our family trips, Roli’s prom.

From "Merci Suárez Changes Gears" by Meg Medina

Related Words

• gala