adjective
Common
premium
PREE-mee-uhm
Premium (adjective) means of higher quality, price, or status than the standard version. Example: “She paid extra for a premium mattress that lasts for years.”
adjective
1
Of higher quality, price, or status than the standard version.
"She paid extra for a premium mattress that lasts for years."
"The airline offers a premium cabin with extra legroom."
"They only stock premium coffee beans."
noun
1
The amount paid regularly for an insurance policy.
"We pay the home insurance premium in monthly instalments."
"Shop around, because the premium can differ a lot between companies."
"Her car insurance premium went up after the accident."
2
An amount added on top of the usual price, reflecting extra value.
"Rare vintage records often sell at a premium among collectors."
"Customers pay a premium for fruit that is grown locally."
"Buyers are paying a premium for houses near the new train line."
How to use premium
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething extra-good or extra-expensive, or the regular payment you make for insurance.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
insurance premium
premium quality
at a premium
pay a premium
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Word forms
- Plural
- premiums, premia
Fill the gap
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She paid extra for a _____ mattress that lasts for years.
Etymology
From Latin praemium ("prize, reward").
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for premium
See all rhymes for premium →Frequently asked questions
What does “premium” mean?
The word “premium” means of higher quality, price, or status than the standard version. In plain terms, something extra-good or extra-expensive, or the regular payment you make for insurance.
How do you pronounce “premium”?
“Premium” is pronounced PREE-mee-uhm (/ˈpɹiː.miː.əm/ in IPA).
How do you use “premium” in a sentence?
Here is “premium” used in a sentence: “The airline offers a premium cabin with extra legroom.”
What part of speech is “premium”?
Depending on how it is used, “premium” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “premium” come from?
The word “premium” comes from Latin. From Latin praemium ("prize, reward").
Is “premium” a common word?
“Premium” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “premium” have?
“Premium” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: of higher quality, price, or status than the standard version.
What is the difference between "premium" as an adjective and as a noun?
As an adjective, "premium" describes something of higher quality, price, or status than the standard version, such as premium fuel. As a noun, it most often means the amount paid regularly for an insurance policy. The same word can therefore describe quality or name a payment.
What is the difference between "premium" and "deluxe"?
Both suggest higher quality than standard, but "premium" emphasises superior quality, price, or status, often as a product tier. "Deluxe" stresses luxury and added comfort or features. Marketers use both to signal an upgraded version.
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