prim

1 of 3

adjective

ˈprim 

primmer; primmest

1

a

: stiffly formal and proper : decorous

b

: prudish

2

: neat, trim

prim hedges

primly adverb

primness noun

prim

2 of 3

verb

primmed; primming

transitive verb

1

: to give a prim or demure expression to

primming her thin lips after every mouthful

—John Buchan

2

: to dress primly

prim

3 of 3

abbreviation

1

primary

2

primitive

Synonyms

Adjective

• antiseptic
• bandbox
• crisp
• groomed
• kempt
• neat
• orderly
• picked up
• shipshape
• smug
• snug
• tidied
• tidy
• trig
• trim
• uncluttered
• well-groomed

Examples of prim in a Sentence

Adjective

He has prim views on religion.

Her aunts were very prim and proper.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Instead of prim shirt dresses and caped gowns, Meghan’s luggage contained relaxed skirts from the affordable Aussie brand Posse, billowing backless maxi dresses, and aviator shades. —Kerry McDermott, Vogue, 20 Dec. 2024

The couple shares a son. 09 of 13 Alison Brie (Trudy Campbell) Community star Alison Brie played Pete’s wife, prim and proper daddy’s girl Trudy. —Andrew Walsh, EW.com, 23 Nov. 2024

Before each performance, the scene is set by a narrator who speaks in a prim, puritanical accent reminiscent of a bygone era. —Sonaiya Kelley, Los Angeles Times, 10 Oct. 2024

At Prada’s fall/winter 2024 show, these satin kitten heels were especially prim and proper with their criss-cross detailing and subtle diamanté embellishment. —Laura Jackson, Vogue, 29 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

derivative of or akin to prim entry 2

Verb

earlier as intransitive verb, "to assume a formal or demure air," of obscure origin

Note: First attested in the comedies of Thomas d'urfey, as Fool's Preferment (1688) and The Marriage-Hater Match'd (1692). Akin in sense to primp, attested earlier, though the verb as well as the adjective primp "(of the mouth) pursed, primly set" are nearly exclusive to Scots and American English.

First Known Use

Adjective

1702, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1707, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

prim

adjective

ˈprim

primmer; primmest

: very fussy about one's appearance and behavior

primly adverb

primness noun