What does prom mean?
A prom is an informal word for a promise, especially a commitment to do something, give someone something, or help them. It is especially common in British English and may sound more familiar or conversational than the standard word promise. The word can also refer to a formal student dance held at the end of secondary school or university, particularly in Britain, Australia, and North America. In this second sense, a prom is a social event attended by students, often in formal clothes, and may include dancing, photographs, and other celebrations. The two senses share the word's informal character: a prom is usually a personal or celebratory commitment rather than a formal written agreement, and the dance is a memorable milestone event. The word is therefore useful both for discussing personal commitments and for describing a familiar tradition marking the end of an academic stage.
An informal promise, especially a commitment to do something or to give or provide something.
"I made a prom to call you as soon as I got home."
Chiefly informal and especially common in British English.
A formal dance attended by students after finishing secondary school or university.
"The prom is being held in the school hall next Friday."
Especially associated with British, Australian, and North American school and university traditions.
The plural is commonly used for multiple student dances, as in "two proms," and for multiple informal promises in casual contexts.
"They attended both the graduation and the prom."
In British English, a prom is not just a promise: it is also the big formal dance that celebrates the end of school or university.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does prom come from?
The word prom developed as an informal short form of promise, and in British English it also became a shortened form of promenade used for a student dance. The dance sense developed in the late 19th century from the earlier association of a promenade with a formal social gathering. The word promise comes through Old French promesse from Latin promittere, meaning to put forth or promise.
How prom is actually used
As a word meaning a promise, prom is chiefly informal and especially common in British English. The dance sense is also particularly associated with British, Australian, and North American school and university traditions.
Easily confused with prom
A promise is the standard, formal word for a commitment to do or provide something, while a prom is an informal British word for the same idea.