prime minister

noun

1
: the chief minister of a ruler or state
2
: the official head of a cabinet or ministry
especially : the chief executive of a parliamentary government
prime ministerial adjective
prime ministership noun
prime ministry noun

Examples of prime minister in a Sentence

the Prime Minister of England
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.
The monarch is also required to rubberstamp any acts of legislation or decisions approved by the Council of State before they can be countersigned by the prime minister and enacted. — James Frater, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026 In an official statement today, Norway prime minister Jonas Gahr Støre marked the passing of Harald and the transition to a new era. — Stefania Conrieri, Vanity Fair, 28 Aug. 2026 That fine old aristocrat is a half brother to the Maharajah of Nagod, and his former prime minister, boasting the impressive name and title of Lal Sahib Lal Bhargavendra Singh. — Leslie E. Tassell, Outdoor Life, 27 Aug. 2026 But the prime minister balked at turning weapons on a family—and a veteran, no less. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prime minister

Word History

First Known Use

1655, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of prime minister was in 1655

Rhymes for prime minister

See All Rhymes for prime minister

Browse Nearby Words

prime meridian
prime minister
prime ministerial
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Cite this Entry

“Prime minister.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prime%20minister. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

prime minister

noun
: the chief officer of the government in some countries

Legal Definition

prime minister

noun
prime min·​is·​ter
-ˈmi-nə-stər
1
: the chief minister of a ruler or state
2
: the official head of a cabinet or ministry
especially : the chief executive of a parliamentary government
prime ministerial
-ˌmi-nə-ˈstir-ē-əl
adjective
prime ministership noun
prime ministry
-ˈmi-nə-strē
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on prime minister

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about prime minister

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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