primer
7 synonyms for primer, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A short introductory book or guide covering the basics of a subject.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use primer
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
a primer on
coat of primer
apply primer
Etymology
From Medieval Latin primarius/primarium ("prayer book"), which in early modern England came to also mean a basic schoolbook for teaching reading — the ancestor of today's "introductory guide" sense.
Full origin of primer →Frequently asked questions
What does “primer” mean?
The word “primer” means a short introductory book or guide covering the basics of a subject. In plain terms, a basic introductory guide to a topic, or (in a different sense) a coat of paint-prep or an explosive starter charge.
How do you pronounce “primer”?
“Primer” is pronounced PREYE-muh (/ˈpɹɪm.əɹ/ in IPA).
How do you use “primer” in a sentence?
Here is “primer” used in a sentence: “The manual includes a primer on basic electronics.”
What part of speech is “primer”?
“Primer” is a noun.
Where does the word “primer” come from?
The word “primer” comes from Medieval Latin. From Medieval Latin primarius/primarium ("prayer book"), which in early modern England came to also mean a basic schoolbook for teaching reading — the ancestor of today's "introductory guide" sense.
Is “primer” a common word?
“Primer” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “primer” have?
“Primer” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a short introductory book or guide covering the basics of a subject.
