noun
C2
Proficient
brim
brihm
Brim (noun) means the upper rim or edge of a cup, bowl, or similar container. Example: “He filled the glass right to the brim.”
noun
1
The upper rim or edge of a cup, bowl, or similar container.
"He filled the glass right to the brim."
2
The projecting edge of a hat.
"She pulled the brim of her hat down against the sun."
verb
1
To be full to the point of nearly overflowing.
"Her eyes brimmed with tears at the news."
"The bucket brimmed over as he kept pouring."
How to use brim
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe top edge of something (a cup, a hat), or to be nearly overflowing.
Common pairings
brim with confidence
fill to the brim
hat brim
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Word forms
- Plural
- brims
- Third person singular
- brims
- Past tense
- brimmed
- Comparative
- more brim
- Superlative
- most brim
- Archaic forms
- brimmest, brimmedst, brimmeth
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He filled the glass right to the _____.
Etymology
From Middle English brymme/brimme, an old word for the bank or edge of water, of uncertain further origin.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for brim
See all rhymes for brim →Frequently asked questions
What does “brim” mean?
The word “brim” means the upper rim or edge of a cup, bowl, or similar container. In plain terms, the top edge of something (a cup, a hat), or to be nearly overflowing.
How do you pronounce “brim”?
“Brim” is pronounced brihm (/bɹɪm/ in IPA).
How do you use “brim” in a sentence?
Here is “brim” used in a sentence: “He filled the glass right to the brim.”
What is another word for “brim”?
Words with a similar meaning to “brim” include bulge.
What part of speech is “brim”?
Depending on how it is used, “brim” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “brim” come from?
The word “brim” comes from Middle English. From Middle English brymme/brimme, an old word for the bank or edge of water, of uncertain further origin.
How many meanings does “brim” have?
“Brim” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the upper rim or edge of a cup, bowl, or similar container.
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