brim

1 of 2

noun

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 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

Example Sentences

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
Till The 9-foot bronze statue in Greenwood is a jaunty depiction of the living Till in slacks, a dress shirt and a tie, with one hand on the brim of a hat. CBS News, 21 Oct. 2022 The space brims with natural light thanks to sizable windows as well as sliding glass doors to the backyard. Ryan Conner, Dallas News, 31 Mar. 2023 His notebook brims with sketches of his beloved younger sibling. Lisa Kennedy, Variety, 28 Mar. 2023 Justin and Hailey Bieber Enjoy Date Night at SZA Concert with Kylie Jenner Also in Attendance Justin stayed loyal to his Drew House brand, wearing a black and yellow fleece and white snapback, which featured a blue brim and a bear embroidered on the front. Brenton Blanchet, Peoplemag, 27 Mar. 2023 In jeans and plaid shirt, the zanjero wears shades on the brim of his baseball cap. Sarah Matusek, The Christian Science Monitor, 13 Mar. 2023 The translucent brim adds a modern twist to the style too. Harper's BAZAAR, 21 Feb. 2023 If you are seated indoors on Millionaires Row, a large brim or a stylish fascinator are great choices. Kirby Adams, The Courier-Journal, 25 Jan. 2023 The 9-foot (2.7-meter) tall bronze statue in Greenwood's Rail Spike Park is a jaunty depiction of the living Till in slacks, dress shirt and tie with one hand on the brim of a hat. Emily Wagster Pettus, ajc, 22 Oct. 2022
Verb
Rainbow River; Dunnellon, Florida Just two hours north of Tampa is Florida’s Rainbow River, 5.7 miles of gently meandering waters brimming with fish like largemouth bass and shad, river otters, and even the occasional alligator. Laura Kiniry, Smithsonian Magazine, 11 May 2023 Decor trends come and go, but some things—like a shelf brimming with books—will never go out of style: Books are behind the entire bibliophile aesthetic, why cozy reading nooks are continuously trending on #BookTok, and what gives life and personality to an otherwise boring shelf. Hollyanna Mccollom, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 May 2023 Its prose is not academic but brimming with vivid images. Becca Rothfeld, Washington Post, 4 May 2023 The area is also brimming with history and impressive architecture. Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 19 Apr. 2023 As the result of the settlement, Fox will avoid having its highest-profile figures — from Rupert Murdoch to Tucker Carlson — testify under oath about their coverage of the 2020 election, which the court has already determined was brimming with false claims. Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 19 Apr. 2023 The brand's sale section is brimming with more than 1,500 best-selling dresses, bags, shoes, and yes, jeans. Claire Harmeyer, Peoplemag, 14 Apr. 2023 On a prolific run defeating three higher seeds, Nashoba is making its first appearance at the Garden against a Sailors team brimming with talent, in search of the program’s first title since 2007. Cam Kerry, BostonGlobe.com, 13 Mar. 2023 Theirs are meetings that brim with the thrill of an instant connection, even on days when Duša’s more prickly demeanor beguiles the wide-eyed Bruno. Manuel Betancourt, Variety, 9 Dec. 2021 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'brim.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of brim was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near brim

Cite this Entry

“Brim.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brim. Accessed 4 Jun. 2023.

Kids Definition

brim

1 of 2 noun
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 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

More from Merriam-Webster on brim

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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