prim

¹

[ prim ]

adjective

, prim·mer, prim·mest.

1. formally precise or proper, as persons or behavior; stiffly neat.

   Synonyms: rigid, formal, prissy

   Antonyms: flexible

2. (especially of a woman or girl) excessively demure or modest.

verb (used without object)

, primmed, prim·ming.

1. to draw up the mouth in an affectedly nice or precise way.

verb (used with object)

, primmed, prim·ming.

1. to make prim, as in appearance.
2. to draw (one's face, lips, etc.) into a prim expression.

prim

²

[ prim ]

noun

1. privet ( def ).

prim.

³

abbreviation for

1. primary.
2. primitive.

prim

/ prɪm /

adjective

1. affectedly proper, precise, or formal

verb

1. tr to make prim
2. to purse (the mouth) primly or (of the mouth) to be so pursed

Derived Forms

• ˈprimly, adverb
• ˈprimness, noun

Other Words From

• prim·ly adverb
• prim·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of prim¹

First recorded in 1675–85; origin uncertain

Origin of prim²

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of prim¹

C18: of unknown origin

Example Sentences

Milioti pushed, for instance, for her hair to evolve from prim and pulled back into the sexy shag she has by the end.

From Los Angeles Times

Before each performance, the scene is set by a narrator who speaks in a prim, puritanical accent reminiscent of a bygone era.

From Los Angeles Times

Despite the emphasis on Queenie’s sexual exploits and exploitation, the show is often prim: A car horn bleeps out a naughty word, and even the sex scenes are clothed and rather chaste.

From New York Times

Shady revelled in outraging prim white suburbia, crudely proclaiming unspoken truths.

From BBC

Mena said, addressing Fernandez and his neighbor, Thiery Prim, sitting with The Seattle Times on a recent visit.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• demure