Prom Meaning and Definition
Prom
Pronunciation
/ˈprɒm/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A formal dance or social event, typically held at the end of the school year, in which students often wear formal attire and participate in activities such as dancing, eating, and socializing.
Examples
- The students were excited to attend the school prom.
- The prom was held at a luxurious hotel, complete with a live band and catering.
Synonyms
- Dance
- Formal
Antonyms
- Casual
- Informal
Etymology
The word “prom” is short for promenade, which comes from the French word “promener”, meaning “to walk”.
Usage Notes
In American English, the term “prom” is commonly used to refer to a formal dance event. In British English, the term “school formal” is often used instead.
Cultural References
The term “prom” has been featured in numerous films, TV shows, and music lyrics, often symbolizing a memorable and significant event in a character’s life.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“PROMageddon” is a colloquialism used to describe a disastrous or chaotic prom experience.
Related Words or Phrases
Related terms include “dance”, “formal”, and “social event”.
Collocations
Prom is often collocated with words such as “dress”, “tuxedo”, “band”, and “cake”.
Frequency of Use
The term “prom” is commonly used in modern language, particularly in American English, with a frequency of use in written and spoken language.
Common Misspellings
Common misspellings of the word “prom” include “promenade”, “pron”, and “prym”.