To primp means to fuss over your appearance, making small adjustments to look just right. When you primp, you might smooth your hair one more time, straighten your collar, check your teeth in the mirror, or adjust how your clothes fit.

Picture someone getting ready for school photos: they keep checking the mirror, fixing their hair, tucking in their shirt, then untucking it, then tucking it again. That's primping. The word suggests paying careful attention to little details, often repeatedly.

People primp before important events like performances, parties, or presentations. Your sister might primp before a dance recital, making sure every hair is in place. A cat primps too, in its own way, constantly licking its fur and grooming itself.

Primping usually takes extra time because you're aiming for perfection in your appearance. While there's nothing wrong with wanting to look your best, someone who primps too much might spend so long adjusting their appearance that they're late for the actual event. The word preen means something similar.