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noun

gimp

gihmp
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Gimp (noun) means a narrow decorative braid or trim, often stiffened with wire or cord, used to edge curtains, furniture, or clothing. Example: “The armchair was finished with gold gimp along its seams.”

noun
1
A narrow decorative braid or trim, often stiffened with wire or cord, used to edge curtains, furniture, or clothing.
"The armchair was finished with gold gimp along its seams."
2
A limping walk, or (informally and often considered offensive) a person who walks with a limp.
"His old knee injury gave him a bit of a gimp."
verb
1
To walk with a limp; to hobble.
"He gimped across the field after twisting his ankle."

How to use gimp

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishMostly used for decorative braid/trim in sewing and upholstery; as slang for a person with a limp or disability it is dated and can be considered offensive, so it's best avoided in that sense.

When to use it

The disability-related sense is derogatory slang — avoid it; use "limp" or "hobble" instead.

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Word forms

Plural
gimps
Third person singular
gimps
Past tense
gimped
Comparative
more gimp
Superlative
most gimp
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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The armchair was finished with gold _____ along its seams.

Etymology

Recorded in English since the 1600s, likely from Dutch or French words for a type of trim or braid; the "limp" sense developed separately and is much later.

Origin: French · First attested 1600

Class of 1600 gimp joined the language around 1600.
abigail accommodation Amish Baroque beau
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Synonyms

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limp hitch hobble limping lameness gameness gimpiness claudication

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Rhymes for gimp

imp simp pimp limp wimp crimp blimp skimp shrimp
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Frequently asked questions

What does “gimp” mean?
The word “gimp” means a narrow decorative braid or trim, often stiffened with wire or cord, used to edge curtains, furniture, or clothing. In plain terms, mostly used for decorative braid/trim in sewing and upholstery; as slang for a person with a limp or disability it is dated and can be considered offensive, so it's best avoided in that sense.
How do you pronounce “gimp”?
“Gimp” is pronounced gihmp (/ɡɪmp/ in IPA).
How do you use “gimp” in a sentence?
Here is “gimp” used in a sentence: “The armchair was finished with gold gimp along its seams.”
What part of speech is “gimp”?
Depending on how it is used, “gimp” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “gimp” come from?
The word “gimp” dates back to around 1600 and comes from French. Recorded in English since the 1600s, likely from Dutch or French words for a type of trim or braid; the "limp" sense developed separately and is much later.
How many meanings does “gimp” have?
“Gimp” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a narrow decorative braid or trim, often stiffened with wire or cord, used to edge curtains, furniture, or clothing.

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