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

Hiker and Safari breezers with a slightly smaller brim are also available. — ABC News, 10 Aug. 2026

The shape doesn’t matter, says the Skin Cancer Foundation, as long the brim extends at least 3 inches outward from your face. — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 22 July 2026

Verb

As her character struggles to find balance, her relationship with her son brims with tension. — Marta Balaga, Variety, 11 Aug. 2026

On the seventh floor of a building in the Fashion District, Bryan Hearns shows me to his studio, where containers brim with colorful rhinestones, walls are adorned with zippers, chains and pliers, and rainbow fabrics and leathers pile on the floor. — Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 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