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

A short introductory book or guide covering the basics of a subject.

"The manual includes a primer on basic electronics."

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."

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 notes

In 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

Word forms

primers plural, primers plural, Primers plural

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Fill the gap

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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.

Origin: Medieval Latin

Rhymes for primer

timer latimer Mortimer Lattimer Alzheimer disclaimer Oppenheimer

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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.