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
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.
In Eden Prairie, Asia Mall is an exciting mix of East Asian flavors, featuring an expansive grocery store, bubble tea shops, and restaurants specializing in favorites like dim sum, Korean barbecue, and Vietnamese street food. AFAR Media, 11 Mar. 2025 Prices for dim sum $13-$22; small plates $13-$16; main dishes $35-$115. John Mariani, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025 While Americans are used to dim sum restaurants – from San Francisco to Denver to New York City – that feature servers wheeling carts loaded with Chinese specialties through large spaces, Nana’s took a different approach, focusing on the food itself. Jonathan Shikes, Denver Post, 12 June 2025 Its singular dim sum brunch is reason enough to visit on weekends (see: Chicago Italian beef baos). Outside Online, 28 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for dim sum

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1948, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dim sum was in 1948

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dim sum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dim%20sum. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.

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