rim
RIHM
Rim (noun) means the outer edge of something round, like a cup, wheel, or basketball hoop. Example: “Coffee stained the rim of the mug.”
noun
1
The outer edge of something round, like a cup, wheel, or basketball hoop.
"Coffee stained the rim of the mug."
"The ball rattled around the rim before dropping in."
"He ran his finger around the rim of the glass until it hummed."
2
The metal wheel that a tire is mounted on.
"He scraped the rim against the curb while parking."
"The cyclist bent a rim after hitting a pothole and had to walk home."
"A shiny alloy rim made the old car look much newer."
How to use rim
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe border or outer ring around something circular.
Common pairings
rim of a glass
wheel rim
rim shot
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Word forms
- Plural
- rims
- Third person singular
- rims
- Past tense
- rimmed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Coffee stained the _____ of the mug.
Etymology
From Old English rima, meaning an edge, border, or coastline.
Related words
Rhymes for rim
See all rhymes for rim →Frequently asked questions
What does “rim” mean?
The word “rim” means the outer edge of something round, like a cup, wheel, or basketball hoop. In plain terms, the border or outer ring around something circular.
How do you pronounce “rim”?
“Rim” is pronounced RIHM (/ˈɹʷɪm/ in IPA).
How do you use “rim” in a sentence?
Here is “rim” used in a sentence: “Coffee stained the rim of the mug.”
What part of speech is “rim”?
“Rim” is a noun.
Where does the word “rim” come from?
The word “rim” comes from Old English. From Old English rima, meaning an edge, border, or coastline.
Is “rim” a common word?
“Rim” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “rim” have?
“Rim” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the outer edge of something round, like a cup, wheel, or basketball hoop.
What is the difference between a rim and a wheel?
A rim is the metal wheel that a tire is mounted on, while a wheel is the complete assembly, including the rim, tire, and other components. The rim is just one part of the whole wheel.
What is the difference between rim and edge?
A rim specifically refers to the outer edge of something round, such as a cup, wheel, or basketball hoop. Edge is a more general term that can describe the border of any shape, not just round objects.
What does "rim" mean in basketball?
In basketball, the rim refers to the metal ring of the basketball hoop, which is the outer edge players aim the ball through. This use follows directly from the general meaning of rim as the outer edge of something round.
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