Prim

/prɪm/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A prim person; someone who is prim and proper.

Though she seemed like a prim, she had a wild side that few knew about.

adjective

Stiffly formal and respectable; proper.

She had a prim demeanor that made her seem unapproachable.

Excessively neat, precise, or proper.

His prim handwriting was admired by everyone in the class.

Fussy or overly concerned with propriety.

The prim server strictly adhered to the restaurant's formal dress code.

Early 19th century: from prim or feminine prime.

prim and proper

Excessively concerned with manners and decency.

prude

A person who is excessively concerned about propriety, especially in sexual matters.

stiff

Rigid in demeanor or conduct.

An overly formal person.

Don't be such a prim; loosen up a bit!

Stiff and uptight.

That meeting was so prim; I could barely stay awake.