primrose

noun

prim·​rose ˈprim-ˌrōz How to pronounce primrose (audio)
: any of a genus (Primula of the family Primulaceae, the primrose family) of perennial herbs with large tufted basal leaves and showy variously colored flowers compare evening primrose

Examples of primrose in a Sentence

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.
Beaverbrook is home to four restaurants—the Japanese Grill is Vogue’s pick—a cinema, tennis courts, and 470 acres of grounds, with roses, daffodils, primroses and cherry blossom in abundance. — Vogue, 6 Aug. 2026 An adjustable buckle strap keeps the shoe securely in place, and the minimalist design comes in ten shades, from classic neutrals like black and tan to a flirty primrose pink. — Sarah Scott, Southern Living, 19 July 2026 The cooler is available in nightfall blue, primrose, lilac, and graphite, and in 18-can and 24-can sizes. — Terri Williams, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 Then, knee-high cattails and primrose, followed shortly by small cottonwoods and willows, then by towering gambel oaks. — Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 7 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for primrose

Word History

Etymology

Middle English primerose, from Anglo-French, from prime first + rose rose — more at prime, rose

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of primrose was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing primrose

Rhymes for primrose

See All Rhymes for primrose

Browse Nearby Words

primp
primrose
Primrose
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Primrose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/primrose. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

primrose

noun
prim·​rose ˈprim-ˌrōz How to pronounce primrose (audio)
: any of a genus of herbs with large leaves arranged at the base of the stem and showy variously colored flowers in clusters on leafless stalks

Biographical Definition

Primrose

biographical name

Archibald Philip see rosebery

More from Merriam-Webster on primrose

Nglish: Translation of primrose for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about primrose

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of invidious

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

Why does English have so many silent letters?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Aug. 7

How long is a jiffy?
See More

Popular

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
fridge-magnet-letters
Drop a Letter Quiz August 2026 Drop a letter from a word to make a totally diffe...
See All