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

Prepare for a generous helping of pleasures at the dim sum table. — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 14 Aug. 2026

For a cocktail and some late-night dim sum, head to Fu’s Repair Shop. — Maryam Siddiqi, Travel + Leisure, 14 Aug. 2026

Dim sum raves transform historic teahouses into energetic spaces where partygoers eat dim sum beneath disco balls. — Sam Flemming, AJC.com, 15 July 2026

Later in the day, the menu is decidedly Vietnamese with a hint of dim sum—order the duck la lot with foie gras. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 July 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