brim

1 of 2

noun

1
a(1)
: an upper or outer margin : verge
(2)
archaic : the upper surface of a body of water
b
: the edge or rim of a hollow vessel, a natural depression, or a cavity
2
: the projecting rim of a hat
brimless adjective

brim

2 of 2

verb

brimmed; brimming

transitive verb

: to fill to the brim

intransitive verb

1
: to be or become full often to overflowing
eyes brimming with tears
2
: to reach or overflow a brim

Examples of brim in a Sentence

Noun the brim of the teacup was banded with gold touched the brim of his cap by way of salute Verb Her heart was brimming with happiness. The show brims with excitement.
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Bucket hats like the 3-inch wide brim UPF 50+ sun hat from NPJY are perfect because the wide brim offers ample coverage not just for your head but also your neck and face. Karthika Gupta, Travel + Leisure, 21 Mar. 2024 Beyond its rarefied decor, the hotel brims with creature comforts–like the heated rooftop pool, open seasonally from April to October and exclusively for hotel guests, offering jaw-dropping panoramic views over the city. Alexandra Kirkman, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 An innovation came in 1912 when Fred Clarke of the Pittsburgh Pirates used nuts and bolts to create a device that allowed sunglasses to flip up under the brim of the baseball cap, solving the problem of regular glasses falling off. Detroit Free Press, 23 Feb. 2024 The Southern Norway Art Museum brims with over 1,600 arts and crafts from mostly Norwegian artists, including naturalist painter Amaldus Nielsen, known for his local landscapes, and the legendary Edvard Munch (whose iconic painting The Scream is on display in Oslo’s Munch Museum). Laura Kiniry, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 Jan. 2024 Now, the 2-week-old $1.5 billion terminal brims with possibilities — more than 30 places to eat and drink, many with familiar Kansas City names. Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 18 Jan. 2024 Regardless of provenance, along with rich color and savory flavor, the spice brims with health benefits. Ellie Krieger, Washington Post, 7 Dec. 2023 The coffee counter slings surprisingly legit espresso drinks, and the mega gift shop brims with kitchy finds and curios to take home. Amber Turpin, The Mercury News, 8 Jan. 2024 The virtual shelves of Dermstore brim with everyday essentials by EltaMD, Embryolisse, Sunday Riley, SkinMedica, and more. Jenny Berg, Vogue, 27 Nov. 2023
Verb
Walmart’s fashion department is brimming with affordable styles, including this nearly $100-off Staud Midi Shirtdress and the Madden NYC backpack that’s discounted by 50 percent. Megan Schaltegger, Peoplemag, 21 Mar. 2024 The 49ers aren’t brimming with depth behind Mitchell and Mason. Cam Inman, The Mercury News, 20 Mar. 2024 Pawhuska is brimming with charm and fun things to do on a weekend trip. Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 19 Mar. 2024 Farmhouse Inn & Restaurant is an excellent spot to stay for nature enthusiasts; the property has 25 barn rooms, a spa, a pool, an on-site garden with a chicken coop, and a hiking trail brimming with poppies. Krista Simmons and J.d. Simkins, Sunset Magazine, 8 Mar. 2024 Sleek acidity is well integrated with smooth tannins and the body is brimming with the power of Syrah. Tom Mullen, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2024 Costa Rica is one of the world’s most thrilling adventure travel and leisure destinations, brimming with impressive wildlife, pristine rainforests, unspoiled beaches, and world-class surfing—plus a Gisele Bündchen sighting or two. Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 28 Feb. 2024 Just 45 minutes west of the Hamptons lies an under the radar beach town brimming with old-school charm and elegance. Ariel Okin, Vogue, 27 Feb. 2024 In November, the site, which Caltrans said is leased to J.D. Hauling, was packed with metal storage bins brim full with materials, as well as wooden pallets, appliances, vehicles and other material. John Woolfolk, The Mercury News, 19 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'brim.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English brimme; akin to Middle High German brem edge

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Verb

1598, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of brim was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near brim

Cite this Entry

“Brim.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brim. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

brim

1 of 2 noun
1
: the edge or rim of something hollow (as a container)
full to the brim
2
: the part of a hat that sticks out around the lower edge
brimful
-ˈfu̇l
adjective
brimless adjective
brimmed adjective

brim

2 of 2 verb
brimmed; brimming
: to be or become full to overflowing
brimming with happiness
eyes brimming with tears
boats brimming with tourists

More from Merriam-Webster on brim

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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