What does premier mean?
Premier is a formal word for something that is first in importance, rank, or quality. As an adjective, it commonly describes a person, institution, event, or product that is among the most distinguished in its field, as in “a premier research university” or “a premier destination.” The noun is especially important in Canadian and Australian public life, where it refers to the head of a provincial or state government. In other uses, it can mean a person or thing regarded as the leading example of its kind. The word may also be used informally as a verb, chiefly in American English, for the act of first presenting a film or other work, although “premiere” is far more common for this purpose. “Premier” generally conveys established status and distinction, but its close association with government titles can occasionally make the noun sound political rather than merely excellent.
Chief, leading, or most important among comparable people, institutions, or things.
"The company remains one of the country's premier exporters."
Formal and generally complimentary; often used for institutions, achievements, authorities, or destinations of recognized status.
The head of a provincial or state government, especially in Canada and Australia.
"The premier toured the flood-affected communities on Friday."
Often used as an official title, generally with the name of the province or state.
Chiefly American and informal: to present or perform a film, play, or other work for the first time.
"The documentary premiered at a festival in Toronto."
This sense is uncommon; “premiere” is the standard and more widely used verb.
Used when referring to more than one holder of a provincial or state office.
"Several provincial premiers attended the emergency meeting."
From Latin primus, meaning “first,” premier has always pointed toward whatever comes first in rank or importance.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does premier come from?
English borrowed the word from Old French premier, meaning “first” or “chief.” That form came through Latin primarius, an adjective derived from primus, meaning “first.” The same Latin root produced English words such as prime, primary, primitive, and primal, while the closely related English word premiere also reflects the French and Latin ancestry.
Related word forms
How premier is actually used
As an adjective, “premier” is formal and often implies that something is among the foremost in its field. The noun is primarily a governmental title in Canada and the Australian states. The verb is uncommon and chiefly associated with informal American usage.
Easily confused with premier
“Premier” means chief or most important, whereas “premiere” refers to a first public performance or the first showing of a film, play, or other work.
Both can mean foremost, but “premier” more often emphasizes rank or importance, while “prime” can also mean of first quality, most suitable, or mathematically indivisible.