I. (ˈ)prē|mi(ə)r, -miə, prə̇ˈm- sometimes ˈpriˌm- or (ˈ)pre|m- or (ˈ)prā|m-; ˈprēmēə(r) also ˈprem- or ˈprim- sometimes ˈprām-; also prə̇mˈyi(ə)r or -yiə or (ˈ)prēm|y- or ˈprimˌy- sometimes (ˈ)prem|y-; also (ˈ)prem|ye(ə)r or -yeə sometimes prə̇mˈy- or ˈprimˌy-; sometimes |premē|e(ə)r or -|eə or |prēm- or |prim-; sometimes ˈpremyə(r) or ˈprēm- or ˈprim-; sometimes (ˈ)pre|me(ə)r or -meə or (ˈ)prē|m- adjective
Etymology: Middle English primier, from Middle French premier first, chief, from Latin primarius of the first rank, principal — more at primary
1. : first in position, rank, or importance : chief , principal , leading
the premier place
a premier angling fish — J.L.B.Smith
2. : first in time : most ancient : earliest
a premier peer is one bearing the oldest title of his degree
II. noun
( -s )
Etymology: French, from premier, first, chief, from Middle French
1. : prime minister
the French premier
the premier of Western Australia
the premiers of the Canadian provinces
2. often capitalized
[from the Premier diamond mine, near Pretoria, south central Transvaal]
: a diamond characterized by white color inclined toward bluish in sunlight but yellowish in artificial light
3. : premier danseur