trim
trihm
Trim (verb) means to cut away excess from something to neaten it. Example: “Could you trim the edges of this paper so it fits the frame?”
verb
1
To cut away excess from something to neaten it.
"Could you trim the edges of this paper so it fits the frame?"
"He trimmed the hedge before the party."
"She trimmed the fat off the steak."
2
To decorate, especially around the edges.
"She trimmed the hem of the curtains with a thin blue ribbon."
"We trim the cake with fresh cream and strawberries."
"They trimmed the tree with lights and tinsel."
noun
1
A minor haircut that tidies up existing length.
"Could I book a trim for Saturday morning, please?"
"My barber gave me a quick trim before the wedding."
"I just need a trim, not a whole new style."
2
Decorative material along an edge, or the level of features and finishes on a vehicle.
"The sofa has a gold trim around the arms and legs."
"The top trim of this model includes heated seats and a sunroof."
"The car comes in three trim levels."
adj
1
Slim and fit in appearance.
"Despite his age, the old sailor was still trim and strong."
"She has a trim figure thanks to years of swimming."
"He stayed trim by running every morning."
How to use trim
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo cut neatly, to decorate an edge, or (as an adjective) slim and fit.
Common pairings
trim the hedge
trim level
stay trim
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Word forms
- Plural
- trims
- Third person singular
- trims
- Past tense
- trimmed
- Comparative
- trimmer
- Superlative
- trimmest
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Could you _____ the edges of this paper so it fits the frame?
Etymology
From Old English trymman ("to make firm, strengthen"), related to the idea of putting something in proper order.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for trim
See all rhymes for trim →Frequently asked questions
What does “trim” mean?
The word “trim” means to cut away excess from something to neaten it. In plain terms, to cut neatly, to decorate an edge, or (as an adjective) slim and fit.
How do you pronounce “trim”?
“Trim” is pronounced trihm (/tɹɪm/ in IPA).
How do you use “trim” in a sentence?
Here is “trim” used in a sentence: “He trimmed the hedge before the party.”
What part of speech is “trim”?
Depending on how it is used, “trim” can be a verb, a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “trim” come from?
The word “trim” comes from Old English. From Old English trymman ("to make firm, strengthen"), related to the idea of putting something in proper order.
Is “trim” a common word?
“Trim” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “trim” have?
“Trim” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to cut away excess from something to neaten it.
What is the difference between a "trim" and a "cut" at the hairdresser?
A "trim" removes only a small amount of hair to tidy up existing length and keep the same style, while a "cut" can involve a bigger change in length or shape. Asking for a trim tells your stylist you want to maintain your current look.
What is the difference between "trim" and "prune"?
Both involve cutting plants, but "trim" usually means neatening the shape or removing overgrowth for appearance, while "prune" means cutting away dead, damaged, or excess parts to improve the plant's health and growth. Trimming is mainly cosmetic; pruning is about the plant's wellbeing.
What is the difference between "trim" and a "hem" on clothing?
"Trim" is decorative material added along an edge, such as lace, braid, or ribbon, while a "hem" is the folded and stitched edge of the fabric itself. Trim is ornamental, whereas a hem finishes off the raw edge of the cloth.
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