First Known Use: circa 1521
Dictionary
1trim
verb \ˈtrim\
: to cut (something) off something else : to remove (something) by cutting
: to make (something) neat by cutting it
: to make the size, amount, or extent of (something) smaller
trimmedtrim·ming
Full Definition of TRIM
transitive verb
1
: to embellish with or as if with ribbons, lace, or ornaments <trim the Christmas tree> <the coat was trimmed with fur>
3
a : to make trim and neat especially by cutting or clipping <trim the hedges> b : to free of excess or extraneous matter by or as if by cutting <trim a budget> <trim down the inventory> c : to remove by or as if by cutting <trimmed thousands from federal payrolls — Grit>
4
a (1) : to cause (as a ship) to assume a desirable position in the water by arrangement of ballast, cargo, or passengers (2) : to adjust (as an airplane or submarine) for horizontal movement or for motion upward or downward b : to adjust (as cargo or a sail) to a desired position
intransitive verb
1
a : to maintain neutrality between opposing parties or to favor each equally b : to change one's views for reasons of expediency
2
: to assume or cause a boat to assume a desired position in the water <a boat that trims badly>
— trim one's sails
: to adjust oneself or one's actions to prevailing conditions <compromise or trim your sails to suit the political winds — Philip Johnston>
See trim defined for English-language learners
See trim defined for kids
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Origin of TRIM
probably from Middle English *trimmen to prepare, put in order, from Old English trymian, trymman to strengthen, arrange, from trum strong, firm; probably akin to Old English trēo tree, wood — more at tree
Related to TRIM
2trim
adjective
: neat and orderly
: slim and healthy
trim·mertrim·mest
Full Definition of TRIM
2
: ready for service or use; also : in good physical condition <keeps trim by jogging>
3
: exhibiting neatness, good order, or compactness of line or structure <trim houses>
— trim·ly adverb
— trim·ness noun
See trim defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of TRIM
circa 1521
Related to TRIM
- Synonyms
- antiseptic, bandbox, crisp, groomed, kempt, orderly, picked up, prim, shipshape, smug, snug, tidied, tidy, trig, neat, uncluttered, well-groomed
- Antonyms
- disheveled (or dishevelled), disordered, disorderly, messy, mussed, mussy, sloven, slovenly, unkempt, untidy
3trim
adverb
Definition of TRIM
: in a trim manner : trimly —used chiefly in combination <the trim-cut forest vistas — W. M. Thackeray>
First Known Use of TRIM
1529
4trim
noun
: an act of trimming something (such as hair)
: material (such as ribbons, lace, etc.) that is used for decorating something especially around its edges
Full Definition of TRIM
1
: suitable or excellent condition <tries to keep in trim>
2
a : one's clothing or appearance b : material used for ornament or trimming c : the woodwork in the finish of a building especially around openings d : the interior furnishings of an automobile
3
a : the position of a ship or boat especially with reference to the horizontal; also : the difference between the draft of a ship forward and that aft b : the relation between the plane of a sail and the direction of the ship c : the buoyancy status of a submarine d : the attitude of a lighter-than-air craft relative to a fore-and-aft horizontal plane e : the attitude with respect to wind axes at which an airplane will continue in level flight with free controls
4
: something that is trimmed off or cut out
5
: a haircut that neatens a previous haircut
See trim defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of TRIM
circa 1593
Related to TRIM
Other Automotive Terms
Trim
geographical name \ˈtrim\
Definition of TRIM
town E Ireland ∗ of County Meath pop 1781
TRIM[1] Defined for Kids
1trim
verb \ˈtrim\
trimmedtrim·ming
Definition of TRIM for Kids
1
: to put decorations on : adorn <The dress is trimmed in lace.>
2
: to make neat especially by cutting or clipping <He trimmed his beard.>
3
: to free of unnecessary matter <We need to trim our expenses.>
4
: to adjust (as a sail) to a desired position
— trim·mer noun
Headscratcher for TRIM
If you're trimming something, you could be adding to it or taking away from it. Trim can mean cutting off and getting rid of anything extra, such as branches from a bush, or it can mean adding decorations, such as to a present.
2trim
adjective
trim·mertrim·mest
Definition of TRIM for Kids
: neat and compact in line or structure <a trim house> <She maintains a trim figure.>
— trim·ly adverb
3trim
noun
Definition of TRIM for Kids
1
: material used for ornament or trimming <The jacket has fake fur trim.>
2
: the woodwork in the finish of a building especially around doors and windows
3
: an act or instance of cutting or clipping <I'm going to the barber for a trim.>
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