primer

1 of 2

noun (1)

prim·er ˈpri-mər

chiefly British ˈprī-mə

Synonyms of primer next

: a small book for teaching children to read

: a small introductory book on a subject

: a short informative piece of writing

primer

2 of 2

noun (2)

prim·er ˈprī-mər

: a device for priming

especially : a cap, tube, or wafer containing percussion powder or compound used to ignite an explosive charge

: material used in priming a surface

called also prime coat

: a molecule (such as a short strand of RNA or DNA) whose presence is required for formation of another molecule (such as a longer chain of DNA)

Did you know?

Primers were once a standard part of every child's education. The first primer printed in North America, The New England Primer (ca. 1690), was typical; it contained many quotations from the Bible and many moral lessons, and the text was accompanied by numerous woodcut illustrations. We no longer use the word in early education, but it's widely used in everyday speech. Notice how primer is pronounced; don't mix it up with the kind of paint that's pronounced with a long *i *sound.

Examples of primer in a Sentence

Noun (1) a primer of human anatomy

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Noun

For those looking for a boost of hydration for their hair after and in between washes, or just a heat protectant for daily styling—Eva NYC’s primer spray does it all. —

Kiana Murden, Vogue, 15 Jan. 2025 Folks needed a primer because the process was unusual and required using a touchpad built into the very snug, curved lap bar. —

Dewayne Bevil, Orlando Sentinel, 8 Jan. 2025 The Roper Center at Cornell also offers an invaluable primer on changing attitudes. —

Karlyn Bowman, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025 The Friedkins need only examine Moshiri’s communication strategy for a further primer on what not to do. —

Greg O'Keeffe, The Athletic, 20 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for primer

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English, "layperson's prayer book," borrowed from Anglo-French, borrowed from Medieval Latin prīmārius, prīmārium, noun derivatives from masculine and neuter of prīmārius "lying at the beginning, primary entry 1"

Noun (2)

prime entry 3 + -er entry 2

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

1650, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler

The first known use of primer was in the 14th century

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Primer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/primer. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.

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Kids Definition

primer

1 of 2 noun

prim·er ˈprim-ər

especially British ˈprī-mər

: a small book for teaching children to read

: a book that introduces a subject

a primer of chemistry

: a short informative piece of writing

a primer on healthy eating

primer

2 of 2 noun

prim·er ˈprī-mər

: a device (as a cap or tube) containing a small explosive charge that is used for setting off a larger explosive charge (as in a cartridge)

: material used in priming a surface

Medical Definition

primer

noun

prim·er ˈprī-mər

: a molecule (as a short strand of RNA or DNA) whose presence is required for formation of another molecule (as a longer chain of DNA)

Last Updated: 20 Jan 2025 - Updated example sentences

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primer

noun (1)

noun (2)

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Synonyms

Examples of primer in a Sentence

Word History

Dictionary Entries Near primer

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

Medical Definition