rim

1 of 2

noun

ˈrim 

1

a

: brink

b

: the outer often curved or circular edge or border of something

2

a

: the outer part of a wheel joined to the hub usually by spokes

b

: a removable outer metal band on an automobile wheel to which the tire is attached

3

: frame sense 3b(2)

rimless

ˈrim-ləs 

adjective

rim

2 of 2

verb

rimmed; rimming

transitive verb

1

: to run around the rim of

putts that rim the cup

2

: to serve as a rim for : border

cliffs rimming the camp

intransitive verb

: to form or show a rim

Synonyms of rim

Noun

• perimeter
• edge
• circumference
• edging
• confines
• boundary
• border

Verb

• border

Examples of rim in a Sentence

Noun

There were chips on the rim of the plate.

the rim of the volcano

He bought stainless steel rims for his new car.

Verb

She rimmed her eyes with eyeliner.

a porcelain bowl rimmed with gold

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The Celtics’ backup center allowed two makes at the rim by his counterpart, Mitchell Robinson, fouled Robinson on a lob and committed a turnover that led to a fast-break layup by Jordan Clarkson. —Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 10 Apr. 2026

Brunson used it, then hit Towns in stride for a downhill attack to the rim. —Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 9 Apr. 2026

Verb

Coat a large, rimmed (18- x 13-inch) baking pan with cooking spray; set aside. —Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 9 Apr. 2026

From almost any vantage point, the Salton Sea appears lifeless — a gray expanse rimmed with salt and windblown dust. —Josh Jackson, Los Angeles Times, 7 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Old English rima; akin to Old Norse rimi strip of land

First Known Use

Noun

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

Verb

1621, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Phrases Containing rim

• rim shot

Rhymes for rim

• brim
• clim
• dim
• grim
• gym
• him
• hymn
• im
• limb
• mim
• prim
• scrim

Kids Definition

rim

1 of 2 noun

ˈrim 

1

a

: an outer edge especially of something curved

b

: brink sense 1

2

: the outer part of a wheel joined to the hub usually by spokes

rimless

-ləs 

adjective

rim

2 of 2 verb

rimmed; rimming

1

: to provide with a rim : serve as a rim for : border

2

: to run around the rim of

the putt rimmed the cup