trimmer

¹

[ trim-er ]

noun

1. a person or thing that trims.
2. a tool or machine for trimming, clipping, paring, or pruning.
3. a machine for trimming lumber.
4. Building Trades.
   1. a joist or rafter supporting one of the ends of a header at the edge of a wellhole.
   2. a wall tile or floor tile for finishing an edge or angle.
5. an apparatus for stowing, arranging, or shifting cargo, coal, or the like.
6. a person who has no firm position, opinion, or policy, especially in politics.
7. a person who is committed to no particular political party, adapting to one side or another as expediency may dictate.

trimmer

²

[ trim-er ]

adjective

1. comparative of trim.

trimmer

/ ˈtrɪmə /

noun

1. Also calledtrimmer joist a beam in a floor or roof structure attached to truncated joists in order to leave an opening for a staircase, chimney, etc
2. a machine for trimming timber
3. Also calledtrimming capacitor electronics a variable capacitor of small capacitance used for making fine adjustments, etc
4. a person who alters his or her opinions on the grounds of expediency
5. a person who fits out motor vehicles

Word History and Origins

Origin of trimmer¹

First recorded in 1510–20; trim + -er ¹

Example Sentences

Men with enormous beards that have never known the touch of a trimmer.

From Salon

Then use a hand pruner for small jobs or a string trimmer or hedge clipper for larger plantings.

From Seattle Times

For example, at Share Bristol - A Library of Things, instead of borrowing books you can borrow sanders, hedge trimmers and popcorn makers amongst other items you're unlikely to use everyday.

From BBC

I had seen him earlier walking around the backyard wielding a weed wacker, which turned out to need a new spool of trimmer string.

From Los Angeles Times

He showed up to camp looking trimmer and feeling as strong as he has in several years.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• carpetbagger