trimmed; trimming
1
a
: to remove by or as if by cutting
trimmed thousands from federal payrolls—Grit
b
: to make trim and neat especially by cutting or clipping
trim the hedges
c
: to free of excess or extraneous matter by or as if by cutting
trim a budget
trim down the inventory
2
: to embellish with or as if with ribbons, lace, or ornaments
trim the Christmas tree
the coat was trimmed with fur
4
a(1)
: to cause (a ship) to assume a desirable position in the water by arrangement of ballast, cargo, or passengers
(2)
: to adjust (something, such as an airplane or submarine) for horizontal movement or for motion upward or downward
b
: to adjust (something, such as cargo or a sail) to a desired position
1
a
: to maintain neutrality between opposing parties or to favor each equally
b
: to change one's views for reasons of expediency
2
: to assume or cause a boat to assume a desired position in the water
a boat that trims badly
trimmer; trimmest
1
: exhibiting neatness, good order, or compactness of line or structure
a trim beard
trim lawns
… a trim, well-built beach house not far from a spanking new superhighway.—The Saturday Review
2
: slim and physically fit
kept himself trim by biking every day
His lithe student, trim in a tennis dress, watched while holding her racquet on her shoulder.—E. L. Doctorow
3
: ready for service or use
trimly
adverb
trimness
noun
: in a trim manner : trimly
—used chiefly in combination
the trim-cut forest vistas—W. M. Thackeray
1
: a haircut that neatens a previous haircut
2
a
: material used for ornament or trimming
b
: the material (such as wood, stone, or vinyl) in the finish of a building especially around openings
But now, marble is back in style with a vengeance, in demand for building facades, interior trim and finishes.—David Roberts
In home building, carpenters build the house framework, frame the roof and interior partitions, and install doors, windows, flooring, cabinets, wood paneling, and molding and trim.—Occupational Outlook Handbook
c
: the interior furnishings of an automobile
d
: one's clothing or appearance
3
: suitable or excellent condition
tries to keep in trim
4
a
: the position of a ship or boat especially with reference to the horizontal
also
: the difference between the draft of a ship forward and that aft
b
: the relation between the plane of a sail and the direction of the ship
c
: the buoyancy status of a submarine
d
: the attitude of a lighter-than-air craft relative to a fore-and-aft horizontal plane
e
: the attitude with respect to wind axes at which an airplane will continue in level flight with free controls
5
: something that is trimmed off or cut out
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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