trim
About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.
About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.1trim
verb \ˈtrim\trimmedtrim·ming
Definition of TRIM
transitive verb
1
: to embellish with or as if with ribbons, lace, or ornaments <trim the Christmas tree> <the coat was trimmed with fur>
3
a : to make trim and neat especially by cutting or clipping <trim the hedges> b : to free of excess or extraneous matter by or as if by cutting <trim a budget> <trim down the inventory> c : to remove by or as if by cutting <trimmed thousands from federal payrolls — Grit>
4
a (1) : to cause (as a ship) to assume a desirable position in the water by arrangement of ballast, cargo, or passengers (2) : to adjust (as an airplane or submarine) for horizontal movement or for motion upward or downward b : to adjust (as cargo or a sail) to a desired position
intransitive verb
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>
— trim one's sails
: to adjust oneself or one's actions to prevailing conditions <compromise or trim your sails to suit the political winds — Philip Johnston>
See Examples of TRIM
- The hedges need to be trimmed.
- They are looking for ways to trim the budget.
- We trimmed the Christmas tree.
- a pillow trimmed in lace
Origin of TRIM
probably from Middle English *trimmen to prepare, put in order, from Old English trymian, trymman to strengthen, arrange, from trum strong, firm; probably akin to Old English trēo tree, wood — more at tree
First Known Use: circa 1521
Related to TRIM
2trim
adjectivetrim·mertrim·mest
Definition of TRIM
2
: ready for service or use; also : in good physical condition <keeps trim by jogging>
3
: exhibiting neatness, good order, or compactness of line or structure <trim houses>
— trim·ly adverb
— trim·ness noun
Examples of TRIM
- She has a trim figure.
- He keeps fit and trim by biking.
First Known Use of TRIM
circa 1521
Related to TRIM
- Synonyms
- antiseptic, bandbox, crisp, groomed, kempt, orderly, picked up, prim, shipshape, smug, snug, tidied, tidy, trig, neat, uncluttered, well-groomed
- Antonyms
- disheveled (or dishevelled), disordered, disorderly, messy, mussed, mussy, sloven, slovenly, unkempt, untidy
3trim
adverbDefinition of TRIM
: in a trim manner : trimly —used chiefly in combination <the trim-cut forest vistas — W. M. Thackeray>
First Known Use of TRIM
1529
4trim
nounDefinition of TRIM
1
: suitable or excellent condition <tries to keep in trim>
2
a : one's clothing or appearance b : material used for ornament or trimming c : the woodwork in the finish of a building especially around openings d : the interior furnishings of an automobile
3
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
4
: something that is trimmed off or cut out
5
: a haircut that neatens a previous haircut
Examples of TRIM
- a skirt with lace trim
- <the doctor declared her to be in good trim for the race>
First Known Use of TRIM
circa 1593
Related to TRIM
Other Automotive Terms
Trim
geographical name \ˈtrim\Definition of TRIM
town E Ireland ∗ of County Meath pop 1781
Learn More About TRIM
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: trimaran
Previous Word in the Dictionary: trilophodont
All Words Near: trim
Previous Word in the Dictionary: trilophodont
All Words Near: trim
Seen & Heard 
What made you want to look up trim? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
