WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026
par•a•mount /ˈpærəˌmaʊnt/USA pronunciation
adj.
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026- chief in importance or effect or impact:a question of paramount importance.
- above others in rank or authority;
superior:the paramount leader.
par•a•mount
(par′ə mount′),USA pronunciation adj.
n.
par′a•mount′cy, n.
par′a•mount′ly, adv.
Par•a•mount (par′ə mount′),USA pronunciation n.
- chief in importance or impact;
supreme;
preeminent:a point of paramount significance. - above others in rank or authority;
superior in power or jurisdiction.
n.
- a supreme ruler;
overlord.
- Latin ad montem to the mountain, hence, in Old French: upward, above; see ad-, mount2
- Anglo-French paramont above, equivalent. to par per- + a mont
- 1525–35
par′a•mount′ly, adv.
- 1. See dominant.
- 1. unimportant.
Par•a•mount (par′ə mount′),USA pronunciation n.
- Place Namesa city in SW California, near Los Angeles. 36,407.