perm

1 of 2

noun

ˈpərm How to pronounce perm (audio)
Synonyms of permnext
: permanent

perm

2 of 2

verb

permed; perming; perms

transitive verb

: to give (hair) a permanent wave

Examples of perm in a Sentence

Noun She got a perm last week. Verb She got her hair permed at the salon.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Sulfate-free products will also prolong the perm's results. — Rachel Choy, Refinery29, 18 Dec. 2025 For those wanting even more body, Destin says a modern perm can help add long-lasting texture to fine hair. — Amanda Le, InStyle, 12 Mar. 2026
Verb
And the – and Iran shouldn't be permed to just decide who gets through. — CBS News, 12 Apr. 2026 By a young age, Black girls are already perming [relaxing] their hair. — Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for perm

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1927, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1928, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of perm was in 1927

Browse Nearby Words

perlustration
perm
Perm'
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Perm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perm. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

perm

2 of 2 verb
: to give (hair) a permanent

More from Merriam-Webster on perm

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for perm

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about perm

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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