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
brimmed; brimming
: to fill to the brim
1
: to be or become full often to overflowing
eyes brimming with tears
2
: to reach or overflow a brim
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
Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 17 May 2026
Ultimately, the halftime show is just another culture clash in a tournament full to the brim with just that.
—Ben Church, CNN Money, 15 May 2026
Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
The park doesn’t miss a brick in its immersive theming, having built remarkable lands inspired by Greece, the Roman Empire, and the Nordic Vikings, with over 40 rides and attractions that brim with charm and evoke a sense of wonder.
—Zachary Laks, Travel + Leisure, 15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for brim
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Noun
In part, this was because Riley, who is fifty-five, wore a gargantuan, lumpy tomato-red felt hat with a wide brim, like the cowboy hat worn by Quick Draw McGraw in the old Hanna-Barbera cartoons.
—Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 17 May 2026
Ultimately, the halftime show is just another culture clash in a tournament full to the brim with just that.
—Ben Church, CNN Money, 15 May 2026
Verb
Liz Clayman The storied British tradition of afternoon tea is also flourishing on this side of the pond as American tea rooms offer a wide array of afternoon tea settings, complete with brimming cups of tea, warm scones and delectable finger sandwiches.
—Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
The park doesn’t miss a brick in its immersive theming, having built remarkable lands inspired by Greece, the Roman Empire, and the Nordic Vikings, with over 40 rides and attractions that brim with charm and evoke a sense of wonder.
—Zachary Laks, Travel + Leisure, 15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for brim
Cite this Entry
“Brim.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brim. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
