dim sum

noun

ˈdim-ˈsəm 

plural dim sums also dim sum

: traditional Chinese food consisting of a variety of items (such as steamed or fried dumplings, pieces of cooked chicken, and rice balls) served in small portions

Examples of dim sum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Shanghai Terrace restaurant, tucked behind a red door, channels 1930s scarlet-and-gold glamour with standout dim sum, while Z Bar is more casual and overlooks Michigan Avenue. — Rima Suqi, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 July 2026

One of the largest Asian grocery retailers in the country, the supermarket is known for its hot deli section with dim sum and Chinese BBQ meats. — Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2026

For dim sum, Hei La Moon is home to a bi-level, hall-style emporium while Winsor Dim Sum Café presents an expansive menu and outstanding congee. — Michele Herrmann, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026

Everyone adores Laurence’s trio of dim sum, and there are no critiques of Sherry’s beef-tongue dish. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 9 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Chinese (Guangdong) dímsām, from dím dot, speck + sām heart

First Known Use

1894, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for dim sum

• become
• checksum
• humdrum
• income
• outcome
• pisum
• succumb
• therefrom
• wherefrom
• abomasum
• bum
• chum