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

Also a novelist, Hval’s episodic songs brim with intertextual references, conceptual grist, and spoke-sung experimentation, but never stray far from the pleasures of melody. —Jenn Pelly, Time, 4 Dec. 2025

Beagle Scout Snoopy, adorned by Woodstock adorably hanging out on the brim of his green hat. —Gillian Telling, PEOPLE, 27 Nov. 2025

Verb

For those who are too big to sit on Santa's lap, downtown Louisville is brimming with a collection of holiday activities, entertainment and holiday pop-up bars for the over 21 crowd. —Kirby Adams, Louisville Courier Journal, 12 Dec. 2025

This memoir is brimming with heart, humor and wisdom. —Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 10 Dec. 2025

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