premier

[ pri-meer, -myeer, pree-meer ]
/ prɪˈmɪər, -ˈmyɪər, ˈpri mɪər /

noun

the head of the cabinet in France or Italy or certain other countries; first minister; prime minister.
a chief officer.

adjective

first in rank; chief; leading.
first in time; earliest; oldest.

Origin of premier

1400–50; late Middle English primer, primier, premer (adj.) < Anglo-French primer, premer and Middle French premier, primier literally, first < Latin prīmārius of the first rank; see primary

OTHER WORDS FROM premier

pre·mier·ship, noun

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH premier

premier premiere

Words nearby premier

premenstrual, premenstrual syndrome, premenstruum, premiate, premie, premier, premier cru, premier danseur, premiere, premiership, premillenarian

Example sentences from the Web for premiership

British Dictionary definitions for premiership (1 of 2)

premiership
/ (ˈprɛmjəʃɪp) /

noun

the office of premier
  1. a championship competition held among a number of sporting clubs
  2. a victory in such a championship

British Dictionary definitions for premiership (2 of 2)

premier
/ (ˈprɛmjə) /

noun

another name for prime minister
any of the heads of governments of the Canadian provinces and the Australian states
(plural) Australian the winners of a premiership

adjective (prenominal)

first in importance, rank, etc
first in occurrence; earliest

Word Origin for premier

C15: from Old French: first, from Latin prīmārius principal, from prīmus first

Cultural definitions for premiership

premier

The head of government in many nations. A premier's position is usually the same as that of a prime minister. The chiefs of government of the provinces of Canada are called premiers.