What does prom mean?

Pronunciation

/ˈprom/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A formal dance or party held at the end of the school year, typically for high school students, where students and their dates dress up in formal attire and attend together.

Etymology

The word “prom” is believed to have originated from the Latin word “promare,” meaning “to show” or “to offer,” which was shortened to “prom” in the 19th century.

Additional Information

Traditionally, prom is seen as a special and memorable night for students, often marked by the presentation of flowers, corsages, and jewelry to one’s date. Despite the commercialization of the event, prom remains an important cultural institution for many teenagers. In some countries, prom is also referred to as the “school ball” or “leavers’ ball.”

Prom has also become a popular theme for movies, TV shows, and literature, often serving as a backdrop for stories about love, friendship, and self-discovery.

Usage Notes

When asking or referring to someone’s prom plans, it’s common to use the phrase “going to prom” or “who’s going to prom with who”. It’s also polite to ask a friend or classmate if they’re attending, as it’s an important social event for many students.

Cultural References

Prom has inspired numerous movies, TV shows, and novels, including “Drive Me Crazy” (1999), “Never Been Kissed” (1999), and “Gossip Girl” (2007-2012).

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• Going to prom
• Prom date

Related Words or Phrases

• Formal
• Dance
• Party

Collocations

• Prom night
• Prom dress
• Prom corsage

Frequency of Use

Prom is a relatively infrequent term, but it is often used as a cultural reference point or metaphor in popular media and everyday conversations.

Common Misspellings

• Proim
• Prome
• Promm