C1adjectiveformal3K

Premier

UK /["/ˈpremiə(r)/"]/US /["/prɪˈmɪr/"]/

Definition

most important, famous or successful

In simple words: the most important or best

Examples

  • one of the country’s premier chefs
  • the Premier League/Division
  • Last year they won the premier award at the Welsh Festival of Light Opera.
  • The new Institute of Contemporary Art is one of Boston's premier attractions.

Usage notes

Often used to describe top-level events, leaders, or products. In informal contexts, a simpler word like 'best' might be used instead.

Grammar pattern

premier + noun

Memory hint

Think of 'premier' as the 'prime' choice — the best of the best!

Collocations

  • premier event
  • premier league
  • premier product
  • premier destination

Synonyms

  • top
  • best
  • leading
  • foremost
  • supreme

Antonyms

  • inferior
  • secondary

Common mistakes

  • Using 'premier' as a verb incorrectly.
  • Confusing 'premier' with 'premiere' (the first showing of a movie).