rim

1 of 2

noun

ˈrim 

1

a

: brink

b

: the outer often curved or circular edge or border of something

2

a

: the outer part of a wheel joined to the hub usually by spokes

b

: a removable outer metal band on an automobile wheel to which the tire is attached

3

: frame sense 3b(2)

rimless

ˈrim-ləs 

adjective

rim

2 of 2

verb

rimmed; rimming

transitive verb

1

: to run around the rim of

putts that rim the cup

2

: to serve as a rim for : border

cliffs rimming the camp

intransitive verb

: to form or show a rim

Synonyms of rim

Noun

• perimeter
• edge
• circumference
• edging
• confines
• boundary
• border

Verb

• border

Examples of rim in a Sentence

Noun

There were chips on the rim of the plate.

the rim of the volcano

He bought stainless steel rims for his new car.

Verb

She rimmed her eyes with eyeliner.

a porcelain bowl rimmed with gold

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

That the shot rolled around the rim for what seemed like a moment had everyone in the downtown Sacramento venue on the edge of their seats. —Joe Davidson march 27, Sacbee.com, 28 Mar. 2026

Yes, Kaufman-Renn’s quick hands at the rim extended a special NCAA Tournament run for Purdue. —Janie McCauley, Chicago Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026

Verb

His potential tying 3-pointer rimmed out, but Texas wasn’t done. —Christian Babcock, Mercury News, 27 Mar. 2026

On Monday, Cooke took an inbounds pass with eight seconds left, moved to her left and missed a 12-foot jumper that rimmed in and out. —ABC News, 23 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Old English rima; akin to Old Norse rimi strip of land

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1621, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Phrases Containing rim

• rim shot

Rhymes for rim

• brim
• clim
• dim
• grim
• gym
• him
• hymn
• im
• limb
• mim
• prim
• scrim

Kids Definition

rim

1 of 2 noun

ˈrim 

1

a

: an outer edge especially of something curved

b

: brink sense 1

2

: the outer part of a wheel joined to the hub usually by spokes

rimless

-ləs 

adjective

rim

2 of 2 verb

rimmed; rimming

1

: to provide with a rim : serve as a rim for : border

2

: to run around the rim of

the putt rimmed the cup