trim

[ trim ]

verb (used with object)

, trimmed, trim·ming.

1. to put into a neat or orderly condition by clipping, paring, pruning, etc.:

   to trim a hedge.

   Synonyms: lop, cut, shave, shear

2. to remove (something superfluous or dispensable) by or as if by cutting (often followed by off ):

   to trim off loose threads from a ragged edge.

3. to cut down, as to required size or shape:

   trim a budget; trim a piece of wood.

4. Aeronautics. to level off (an airship or airplane) in flight.
5. Nautical.
   1. to distribute the load of (a ship) so that it sits well in the water.
   2. to stow or arrange, as cargo.
   3. to adjust (the sails or yards) with reference to the direction of the wind and the course of the ship.
6. to decorate or adorn with ornaments or embellishments:

   to trim a dress with fur.

   Synonyms: garnish, embellish, ornament, bedeck, deck

7. to arrange goods in (a store window, showcase, etc.) as a display.
8. to prepare or adjust (a lamp, fire, etc.) for proper burning.
9. Informal.
   1. to rebuke or reprove.
   2. to beat or thrash.
   3. to defeat.
10. to dress or array (often followed by up ).

verb (used without object)

, trimmed, trim·ming.

1. Nautical.
   1. to assume a particular position or trim in the water, as a vessel.
   2. to adjust the sails or yards with reference to the direction of the wind and the course of the ship.
2. to pursue a neutral or cautious policy between parties.
3. to accommodate one's views to the prevailing opinion for reasons of expediency.

noun

1. the condition, order, or fitness of a person or thing for action, work, use, etc.
2. Nautical.
   1. the set of a ship in the water, especially the most advantageous one.
   2. the condition of a ship with reference to its fitness for sailing.
   3. the adjustment of sails, rigging, etc., with reference to wind direction and the course of the ship.
   4. the condition of a submarine as regards buoyancy.
3. a person's dress, adornment, or appearance.
4. material used for decoration or embellishment; decorative trimming.

   Synonyms: garnish, adornment

5. decoration of a store window for the display of merchandise; window dressing.
6. a trimming by cutting, clipping, or the like.
7. a haircut that restores the previous cut to neatness without changing the hairstyle.
8. something that is cut off or eliminated.
9. Aeronautics. the attitude of an airplane with respect to all three axes, at which balance occurs in forward flight under no controls.
10. Building Trades. finished woodwork or the like used to decorate or border openings or wall surfaces, as cornices, baseboards, or moldings.
11. Automotive.
    1. the upholstery, knobs, handles, and other equipment inside a motor car.
    2. ornamentation on the exterior of an automobile, especially in metal or a contrasting color.

adjective

, trim·mer, trim·mest.

1. pleasingly neat or smart in appearance:

   trim lawns.

   Synonyms: spruce, trig, compact

2. in good condition or order.
3. (of a person) in excellent physical condition:

   Swimming is a good way to keep trim.

4. slim; lean.
5. Obsolete. good, excellent, or fine.

adverb

1. trimly.

trim

¹

/ trɪm /

adjective

1. neat and spruce in appearance
2. slim; slender
3. in good condition

verb

1. to put in good order, esp by cutting or pruning
2. to shape and finish (timber)
3. to adorn or decorate
4. sometimes foll byoff or away to cut so as to remove

   to trim off a branch

5. to cut down to the desired size or shape

   to trim material to a pattern

6. dialect.
   to decorate

   to trim a Christmas tree

7. nautical
   1. also intr to adjust the balance of (a vessel) or (of a vessel) to maintain an even balance, by distribution of ballast, cargo, etc
   2. also intr to adjust (a vessel's sails) to take advantage of the wind
   3. to stow (cargo)
8. to balance (an aircraft) before flight by adjusting the position of the load or in flight by the use of trim tabs, fuel transfer, etc
9. also intr to modify (one's opinions, etc) to suit opposing factions or for expediency
10. informal.
    to thrash or beat
11. informal.
    to rebuke
12. obsolete.
    to furnish or equip

noun

1. a decoration or adornment
2. the upholstery and decorative facings, as on the door panels, of a car's interior
3. proper order or fitness; good shape

   in trim

4. a haircut that neatens but does not alter the existing hairstyle
5. nautical
   1. the general set and appearance of a vessel
   2. the difference between the draught of a vessel at the bow and at the stern
   3. the fitness of a vessel
   4. the position of a vessel's sails relative to the wind
   5. the relative buoyancy of a submarine
6. dress or equipment
7. window-dressing
8. the attitude of an aircraft in flight when the pilot allows the main control surfaces to take up their own positions
9. films a section of shot cut out during editing
10. material that is trimmed off
11. decorative mouldings, such as architraves, picture rails, etc

Trim

²

/ trɪm /

noun

1. the county town of Meath, Republic of Ireland; 12th-century castle, medieval cathedral; textiles and machinery. Pop: 5894 (2002)

Derived Forms

• ˈtrimly, adverb
• ˈtrimness, noun

Other Words From

• trimly adverb
• trimness noun
• over·trim verb overtrimmed overtrimming
• pre·trim verb pretrimmed pretrimming

Word History and Origins

Origin of trim¹

First recorded before 900; probably continuing Old English trymman, trymian “to strengthen, prepare” (not recorded in ME), derivative of trum “strong, active”; akin to Irish dron “strong,” Greek drȳmós “coppice,” Latin dūrus “hard”; tree

Word History and Origins

Origin of trim¹

Old English trymman to strengthen; related to trum strong, Old Irish druma tree, Russian drom thicket

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. trim one's sails. sail ( def 19 ).

Example Sentences

“Those peels are nutrient-dense and taste great in pie! I like to keep a ‘stock bag’ in my freezer where I collect vegetable and meat trimmings to make stock.”

From Salon

The Bay City Rollers took the world by storm in the mid-70s, trimmed in tartan and causing scenes of hysteria wherever they went.

From BBC

He’s looking slim, trim and well-styled in a hip suit and glasses on a recent morning in a posh room at the Peninsula Hotel.

From Los Angeles Times

She boosted the Animal Services budget by 18% — much lower than the 56% increase sought by the department — then trimmed the budget slightly the following fiscal year.

From Los Angeles Times

Alina Albuia also had a pair of scoring catches, the second trimming Banning’s lead to eight points with under four minutes to go.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• piping
• trimming