ENGLISH
REFERENCE

prom

n. · v.
US //ˈpɹɑm// UK //pɹˈɒm// prom
  1. 1 school dance (n.)
    B1 Intermediate American English

    a formal dance or party held for high school students at the end of the school year.

    a formal ball or gala held for students at a high school or college, typically occurring near the end of the final academic year.

    Example

    She spent weeks looking for the perfect dress to wear to her senior prom.

    Example

    The student committee spent months fundraising to ensure the senior prom could be held at a prestigious hotel downtown.
  2. 2 public walk (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate British English

    a short word for a promenade, which is a paved path for walking along the sea.

    a clipping of 'promenade', referring to a paved public walk, typically one along a seafront.

    Example

    We took a lovely evening stroll along the prom to watch the sunset.

    Example

    Despite the chilly coastal wind, the town's prom was crowded with tourists enjoying the traditional seaside atmosphere.
  3. 3 classical concert (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate British English Music

    a type of classical music concert where some of the audience stands instead of sitting.

    a clipping of 'promenade concert', specifically referring to the series of orchestral concerts held annually in London.

    Example

    They managed to get cheap tickets for the last night of the Proms.

    Example

    Attending the Proms at the Royal Albert Hall remains a highlight of the summer season for many classical music enthusiasts.
  4. 4 to go to a prom (v.)
    C1 Advanced Informal American English

    to attend a school prom dance.

    to attend a formal school dance; used as an informal intransitive verb.

    Example

    Are you planning on promming with your boyfriend this year?

    Example

    The group of friends decided they would rather go promming together as a group than look for individual dates.

Origin

In all senses, by acronymy.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Related words

Last updated June 20, 2026