Primer/ˈpraɪmər,ˈprɪmər/ Definition 1 of 4Pro Tip 1/3Educational Tool A primer is used for initial learning steps in any subject, often for kids or new learners. The library has a great math primer for beginners. Pro Tip 2/3Easy Language Primers are written in simple language to make learning the basics easier. His French primer explained grammar in very simple terms. Pro Tip 3/3Starting Point The term primer often implies the book is the starting point of a subject. I bought a gardening primer to learn the basics before planting.