adj
prim
prihm
Prim (adj) means Stiffly formal, neat, and overly proper in manner or appearance. Example: “She sat with prim posture, hands folded in her lap.”
adj
1
Stiffly formal, neat, and overly proper in manner or appearance.
"She sat with prim posture, hands folded in her lap."
"His prim little office had everything arranged with obsessive precision."
verb
1
To arrange one's expression or appearance to look prim.
"She primmed her mouth in disapproval."
How to use prim
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishVery neat, formal, and proper — often to the point of seeming stiff or a bit uptight.
Common mistake
Often paired with "proper" in the set phrase "prim and proper," describing someone who is very correct and reserved in manners.
Common pairings
prim and proper
prim posture
a prim little smile
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Word forms
- Plural
- prims
- Third person singular
- prims
- Past tense
- primmed
- Comparative
- primmer
- Superlative
- primmest
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She sat with _____ posture, hands folded in her lap.
Etymology
Of uncertain origin, first appearing in English around 1700; possibly related to primp and prink.
Class of 1700
prim joined the language around 1700.
See the full Class of 1700 →
Synonyms
View more →
prim up
prim out
prudish
puritanical
straitlaced
twee
priggish
straightlaced
prissy
mincing
victorian
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for prim
See all rhymes for prim →Frequently asked questions
What does “prim” mean?
The word “prim” means stiffly formal, neat, and overly proper in manner or appearance. In plain terms, very neat, formal, and proper — often to the point of seeming stiff or a bit uptight.
How do you pronounce “prim”?
“Prim” is pronounced prihm (/pɹɪm/ in IPA).
How do you use “prim” in a sentence?
Here is “prim” used in a sentence: “She sat with prim posture, hands folded in her lap.”
What part of speech is “prim”?
Depending on how it is used, “prim” can be an adjective and a verb.
Where does the word “prim” come from?
The word “prim” dates back to around 1700. Of uncertain origin, first appearing in English around 1700; possibly related to primp and prink.
How many meanings does “prim” have?
“Prim” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: stiffly formal, neat, and overly proper in manner or appearance.
