brim

1 of 2

noun

ˈbrim 

1

a(1)

: an upper or outer margin : verge

(2)

archaic : the upper surface of a body of water

b

: the edge or rim of a hollow vessel, a natural depression, or a cavity

2

: the projecting rim of a hat

brimless

ˈbrim-ləs 

adjective

brim

2 of 2

verb

brimmed; brimming

transitive verb

: to fill to the brim

intransitive verb

1

: to be or become full often to overflowing

eyes brimming with tears

2

: to reach or overflow a brim

Synonyms

Noun

• border
• borderline
• bound
• boundary
• circumference
• compass
• confines
• edge
• edging
• end
• frame
• fringe
• hem
• margin
• perimeter
• periphery
• rim
• skirt
• skirting
• verge

Verb

• abound
• bristle
• bulge
• burst
• bustle
• buzz
• crawl
• hum
• overflow
• pullulate
• swarm
• teem

Examples of brim in a Sentence

Noun

the brim of the teacup was banded with gold

touched the brim of his cap by way of salute

Verb

Her heart was brimming with happiness.

The show brims with excitement.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

For the Higgs field, the curvature of the sombrero’s brim is determined by the mass of the Higgs boson, the elementary particle that conveys the Higgs field’s effects, which was discovered at the Large Hadron Collider in 2012. —Quanta Magazine, 22 July 2024

This sun hat provides a comfortable and chic option for sun protection, thanks to its wide brim and lightweight design. —Hyphensocial Contributors, Rolling Stone, 15 July 2024

Verb

Pentagon officials say the U.S. stands at the precipice of a new golden age of defense innovation driven by upstart contractors, advances in technology and a world brimming with threats. —Colin Demarest, Axios, 14 Aug. 2024

Her cart was brimming with goods, including half a watermelon, wet wipes, vegetables, bread, and crackers. —Shoshanna Solomon, The Christian Science Monitor, 7 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English brimme; akin to Middle High German brem edge

First Known Use

Noun

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

Verb

1598, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Phrases Containing brim

• brim with tears
• filled/full to the brim
• snap-brim
• to the brim

Kids Definition

brim

1 of 2 noun

ˈbrim 

1

: the edge or rim of something hollow (as a container)

full to the brim

2

: the part of a hat that sticks out around the lower edge

brimful

-ˈfu̇l

adjective

brimless

-ləs 

adjective

brimmed adjective

brim

2 of 2 verb

brimmed; brimming

: to be or become full to overflowing

brimming with happiness

eyes brimming with tears

boats brimming with tourists