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

Wear loose, breathable, light-colored clothing and a wide-brim hat, and use sunscreen that's at least SPF 30. — Chad Murphy, USA TODAY, 1 Sep. 2026

The replica—known as Tennessee Mountain Home—brims with personalized details, from a calendar with Dolly’s birthday marked, to the magazine-and-newspaper wallpaper that once decorated the interior of the original property. — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 29 Aug. 2026

Verb

His public utterances will brim with courtly niceties, and with legal and ecclesiastical arcana. — Literary Hub, 28 Aug. 2026

Even at low speeds, the flat-crank V-8 feels alive and brimming with 8,300 rpm of possibility. — Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 26 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