perm

1 of 2

noun

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
Noun
References to ’80s beauty typically conjure visions of either enduring icons like Madonna, or, frizzy perms and Pat Butcher-style metallic make-up–there isn’t much in between. Hannah Coates, Vogue, 19 Feb. 2024 The average recent new-hire job length is two years, and the typical perm job, for all ages, is now slightly over four years. Phil Blair, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Dec. 2023 Ava Lee recently shared her experience getting a root perm at a salon in Korea, and the comments were filled with questions. Annie Blay, Allure, 22 Sep. 2023 The return of the perm is upon us, with everyone from Emily Ratajkowski to Bella Hadid experimenting with tight corkscrew curls (mostly with the help of thin-barrelled curling tongs, as opposed to the chemical ’80s approach) recently. Hannah Coates, Vogue, 22 Mar. 2023 The Romp in Providence drew mostly white Gen X and baby boomer women who each paid $10 to peacock about in Mrs. Roper’s signature look (tight red perm, floor-sweeping caftans, chunky costume jewelry) and compete in trivia and limbo contests. Erik Piepenburg, BostonGlobe.com, 23 Aug. 2023 Created in 1909, a relaxer (sometimes called a perm) refers to the chemical treatment used to straighten or relax coily strands. Tayler Adigun, Allure, 4 Oct. 2023 Compared to the classic wave, which feels beachy and relaxed, the bubble perm is not for the fainthearted. Tish Weinstock, Vogue, 31 July 2023 Now that perms are back, can the mullet be far behind? Marina Johnson, Detroit Free Press, 29 July 2023
Verb
Clients spend up to $3,800 per year on toupee management, with Cheney custom dying and perming their hair pieces. Andrea Mandell, Peoplemag, 18 Nov. 2023 My best friend decided to stop perming [relaxing] her hair, and we were joined at the hip. As Told To Jamie Wilson, Glamour, 17 Nov. 2023 Step 4: The stylist removes the perm rods and rinses out the perming solution, then applies a neutralizing solution to set the new shape. Annie Blay, Allure, 22 Sep. 2023 Lotions and conditioners can help alleviate itchiness.2 After your hair fully recovers, consult an oncologist and dermatologist before coloring, bleaching, and perming your hair. Lead Writer: Wendy Korn, Health, 1 June 2023 Wilson grew his own beard, and hair department head Kekepania Vasquez-Tamali'i and her staff fitted the actor with six versions of the same wig, which were permed and also dyed to match Wilson's facial hair. Eric Andersson, Peoplemag, 5 Apr. 2023 The character is clearly inspired by Ross, showing off the three p’s that defined him: perm, painting, and public TV. Vulture, 7 Mar. 2023 This update allows users to perm any two from the four cameras in the handset. Ewan Spence, Forbes, 8 Apr. 2021 At one point, Shelton asked a friend to perm his long hair, according to the article. Madeline Buckley, chicagotribune.com, 8 Aug. 2020

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'perm.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near perm

Cite this Entry

“Perm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perm. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

perm

1 of 2 noun

perm

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

More from Merriam-Webster on perm

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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