noun
Uncommon
primer
PREYE-muh
Primer (noun) means a short introductory book or guide covering the basics of a subject. Example: “The manual includes a primer on basic electronics.”
noun
1
A short introductory book or guide covering the basics of a subject.
"The manual includes a primer on basic electronics."
2
A substance applied as a base coat before paint, to help it stick and look even.
"Apply a coat of primer before painting over the stain."
3
A device or charge used to set off an explosive.
"The primer ignites the main charge in the cartridge."
How to use primer
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA basic introductory guide to a topic, or (in a different sense) a coat of paint-prep or an explosive starter charge.
Common pairings
a primer on
coat of primer
apply primer
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Word forms
- Plural
- primers
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The manual includes a _____ on basic electronics.
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.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for primer
See all rhymes for 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.
