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 of brim

Noun

• edge
• circumference
• perimeter
• confines
• edging
• border
• rim
• boundary
• margin

Verb

• burst
• bulge
• buzz

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

Chopra Jonas wore the print in black and white on a high, halter-neck maxi dress paired with sunnies and a wide-brim hat. — Shea Simmons, PEOPLE, 6 July 2026

For most of the 20th century, a gentleman’s agreement held that no building in Philadelphia rose higher than the brim of William Penn’s hat — the 37-foot bronze likeness of the city’s founder that stands atop City Hall. — Regan Stephens, New York Times, 2 July 2026

Verb

Paris is brimming with confidence CNN Creator Matias Grez was out and about in the French capital last night and told us what the mood of the city was like after watching France storm into the semifinals. — Ben Church, CNN Money, 10 July 2026

Take the Regnier Family Wonderscope, a children’s museum brimming with educational STEAM exhibits that opened in October 2020. — Meghan Palmer, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 July 2026

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

1611, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Phrases Containing brim

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

Rhymes for brim

• clim
• dim
• grim
• gym
• him
• hymn
• im
• limb
• mim
• prim
• rim
• scrim

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