Prom night
/prɑm naɪt/
nounB1
Definition
Prom night is a formal party held for older high school students, often near the end of their last school year. It is a time when students wear fancy clothes, dance, and enjoy social activities to celebrate finishing school or moving to the next stage of life.
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See It in Action
A formal dance or party for high school students, usually at the end of their final year
- •We bought tickets for prom night last week.
- •Everyone wore beautiful dresses and suits at prom night.
- •Prom night is a chance to celebrate finishing high school with friends.
The evening event itself, including dancing, socializing, and ceremonies
- •The prom night started with a grand entrance and music.
- •They took many photos to remember prom night.
- •After prom night, some students went out to eat together.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "prom night" like a "party," but a very special and formal one for students finishing school.
- ✓Picture a big room decorated with lights and balloons, where young people wear elegant dresses and suits and dance to music.
- ✓It's the feeling of excitement and happiness mixed with a little nervousness because it is an important event in a young person's life.
- ✓Sounds like "PROM" (like a short word) + "NIGHT" (dark time) → imagine a bright, important party happening at night.
- ✓In movies and stories, prom night is often shown as a memorable event full of fun, friendships, and sometimes first love.
- ✓NOT like a casual party at home; prom night is organized by the school and has rules about dress and behavior.
- ✓NOT like everyday school events; prom night is usually only once a year and for older students.
Try Other Words
- •Formal dance: a special party with dancing and formal clothes (Use when you want to describe the event without saying "prom")
- •Graduation party: a celebration for finishing school (Use when focusing on the celebration after school ends)
- •School ball: a formal dance event at school (Use in some countries instead of "prom")
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "prom" (short for promenade, meaning a formal walk or event) + "night" (evening time)
- •Etymology: "Prom" comes from the word "promenade," a formal event where people walk or dance; "night" shows the event happens in the evening
- •Historical development: Prom began in the late 19th century as a formal dance for students; over time, it became a popular end-of-year celebration in many schools
- •Modern usage: Today, prom night is a key social event in many high schools, often involving dancing, awards, and photos; it is a memorable tradition for students
Reflect & Connect
•How might prom night be different in other countries or cultures?
•What feelings or memories do you think prom night can create for students?
Fill in the blanks
1.Students usually prepare for prom night by choosing ___ clothes and planning with friends.
2.Prom night is important because it celebrates the ___ of high school.
3.Unlike a simple party, prom night is ___ and often has a dress code.
4.After prom night, many students feel both happy and a little ___ about leaving school.
5.Prom night often includes ___, music, and sometimes a ceremony for awards.
6.You can tell prom night is special because it usually happens ___ in the evening.
7.Some students ask someone special to prom night as their ___ for the event.