dim sum

noun

ˈdim-ˈsəm 

plural dim sums also dim sum

: traditional Chinese food consisting of a variety of items (such as steamed or fried dumplings, pieces of cooked chicken, and rice balls) served in small portions

Examples of dim sum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The southern city of Guangzhou, known as the birthplace of dim sum, is pushing back. — Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 2 May 2026

The menu includes Chinese dishes such as dim sum and Peking duck. — Ana Khan, Houston Chronicle, 3 May 2026

Everyone adores Laurence’s trio of dim sum, and there are no critiques of Sherry’s beef-tongue dish. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 9 June 2026

The terminal is just minutes away from fantastic dim sum, a new boutique hotel, and 50 miles of bike trails surrounded by wildlife. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Chinese (Guangdong) dímsām, from dím dot, speck + sām heart

First Known Use

1894, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for dim sum

• become
• checksum
• humdrum
• income
• outcome
• pisum
• succumb
• therefrom
• wherefrom
• abomasum
• bum
• chum