Definition of proper adjective from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. [only before noun] (especially British English) right, appropriate or correct; according to the rules. We should have had a proper discussion before voting. Please follow the proper procedures for dealing with complaints.
- used to mean 'real' You use proper in front of a noun to emphasize that someone or something really is the thing referred to by the noun. It's important to have a proper breakfast in the morning, not just a cup of tea. He's never had a proper job.
agreeing with established or accepted standards: proper behavior.[It + be + ~ + to + verb] It's not proper to come so late to parties. in the strict sense:[after a noun] Shellfish do not belong to the class of fishes proper.