verb

nim

nihm

Nim (verb) means to take or steal something quickly and quietly. Example: “He nimmed an apple from the market stall.”

verb

To take or steal something quickly and quietly.

"He nimmed an apple from the market stall."

noun

A simple strategy game where players alternately remove objects from piles, with the goal of forcing the opponent to take the last one (or avoid it, depending on the rules).

"They passed the time on the train playing Nim with matchsticks."

How to use nim

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn old word for stealing/taking, and also the name of a classic pile-based counting game.

Word forms

nam past tense, nimmed past tense, num past tense, nims singular

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They passed the time on the train playing _____ with matchsticks.

Etymology

From Old English niman, "to take" — the same ancient root that gives us "nimble" and "numb."

Origin: Old English

Frequently asked questions

What does “nim” mean?

The word “nim” means to take or steal something quickly and quietly. In plain terms, an old word for stealing/taking, and also the name of a classic pile-based counting game.

How do you pronounce “nim”?

“Nim” is pronounced nihm (/nɪm/ in IPA).

How do you use “nim” in a sentence?

Here is “nim” used in a sentence: “He nimmed an apple from the market stall.”

What part of speech is “nim”?

Depending on how it is used, “nim” can be a verb and a noun.

Where does the word “nim” come from?

The word “nim” comes from Old English. From Old English niman, "to take" — the same ancient root that gives us "nimble" and "numb.".

How many meanings does “nim” have?

“Nim” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to take or steal something quickly and quietly.