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Prom: meaning, definitions and examples

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prom

 

[ prɒm ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

formal event

A prom, short for promenade, is a formal dance or gathering of high school students held at the end of the academic year. It is a traditional event where students dress in elegant attire and often take a date. Proms usually feature dinner, dancing, and sometimes entertainment, and they are typically organized by the school's administration or a special committee. This event is significant in many cultures and is often remembered as a rite of passage for graduates.

Synonyms

ball, formal, promenade

Examples of usage

  • She wore a beautiful gown to the prom.
  • They went to prom together as a couple.
  • He rented a limousine for their prom night.
Context #2 | Verb

celebrating event

To prom refers to the act of attending or participating in a prom. While less common, it can be used informally to indicate that someone is going to a prom. This usage emphasizes the social aspect of the event, highlighting the gathering and celebration aspects.

Synonyms

attend, celebrate, gather

Examples of usage

  • They decided to prom together with their friends.
  • We're going to prom next week.

Translations

Translations of the word "prom" in other languages:

🇵🇹 prom

🇮🇳 प्रोमो

🇩🇪 Promo

🇮🇩 promosi

🇺🇦 промо

🇵🇱 promocja

🇯🇵 プロモーション

🇫🇷 promo

🇪🇸 promoción

🇹🇷 tanıtım

🇰🇷 프로모션

🇸🇦 ترويج

🇨🇿 propagace

🇸🇰 propagácia

🇨🇳 促销

🇸🇮 promocija

🇮🇸 kynning

🇰🇿 промо

🇬🇪 პრომო

🇦🇿 promo

🇲🇽 promoción

Etymology

The term 'prom' is derived from the word 'promenade', which originally referred to a formal outing or walking event. The use of the term in the context of a dance for high school students became popular in the United States during the early 20th century. By the 1920s, high schools began hosting prom events to celebrate students' achievements at the end of the school year. This practice spread rapidly, and by the 1930s, prom became a highly anticipated event for American teenagers. Over the decades, prom evolved with changes in fashion and culture, incorporating themes and becoming more elaborate, with events often held in banquet halls or hotels, complete with dining and entertainment. Today, prom is recognized as a significant milestone in a teenager's life, symbolizing their transition from high school to adulthood.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,562, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.