\ ˈshim 
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\Definition of shim
(Entry 1 of 2)
: a thin, often tapered piece of material (such as wood, metal, or stone) used to fill in space between things (as for support, leveling, or adjustment of fit)
shim
verbshimmed; shimming
Definition of shim (Entry 2 of 2)
: to fill out or level up by the use of a shim
Examples of shim in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web: Noun Starting at the top center of the mirror, carefully pry it away from the wall using a thin pry bar, then insert a thin shim of wood behind the glass.
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Roy Berendson, Popular Mechanics, "6 Bathroom Renovations You Can Tackle Without a Contractor," 13 Sep. 2020 Hand tools are scattered around Woodward’s desk among boxes full of new ball bearings, stacks of crystalline disks, and scraps of metal shim that Woodward has cut into electrodes.
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Daniel Oberhaus, Wired, "Gravity, Gizmos, and a Grand Theory of Interstellar Travel," 3 Sep. 2020 Boeing is separately addressing another concern: that faulty shim installation on its own might contribute to structural fatigue.
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Julie Johnsson, Bloomberg.com, "Boeing Grounds Eight 787 Jets After Flaws Create Risk of Failure," 29 Aug. 2020 In addition, a shim kit is included to further adjust drop and cast for minute adjustments for each shooter.
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Savage Arms, Field & Stream, "Savage’s Revolutionary Renegauge," 30 July 2020 Step 12: Place first lower cabinet at the location of the highest point in the floor using shims, a level, and cabinet screws to secure into studs.
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Taylor Mead, House Beautiful, "How to Install Cabinets," 19 July 2019 How to open handcuffs with a shim, that Romeo is a boob guy.
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Alexis Soloski, New York Times, "There’s No Place Like Home (Theater)," 16 Apr. 2020 The ergonomics on the gun are smart, with oversized controls, a generous loading port with a lifter that won’t pinch your thumb during reloads, and a stock that adjusts with spacers and shims.
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John B. Snow, Field & Stream, "Shooting and Gun Trends from the 2020 SHOT Show," 6 Feb. 2020 The Benelli rep told me there are some 40 shim options for it.
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The Editors, Outdoor Life, "The Best New Shotguns from SHOT Show 2019," 30 Jan. 2019 Recent Examples on the Web: Verb And the season 18 contestants even make a cameo as well, shimming to the lyrics backstage.
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Katie Intner, PEOPLE.com, "Karlie Kloss and Project Runway Judges Recreate Cyndi Lauper’s 'Girls Just Want to Have Fun' Video," 7 Jan. 2020 Spatial Relations Many European companies also offer base cabinets with adjustable legs that can be quickly leveled for faster, easier installation, instead of laboriously trimmed and shimmed, which is the traditional technique.
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Elle Decor Staff, ELLE Decor, "Cabinet Fever," 5 July 2012 The lower LATCH anchors are easy to connect and the rear door opening is wide, but extra support is required to shim the child seat level, and passengers up front will need to move forward to an uncomfortable position.
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Eric Stafford, Car and Driver, "2018 Toyota Corolla iM," 25 Aug. 2017 Shim up any low blocks with strips of asphalt roofing, cedar shingles or 2-in.-thick concrete patio block.
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Joseph Truini, Popular Mechanics, "How to Build a Shed, Colonial-Style," 19 Apr. 2017 Walls are shimmed up on small glass-phallus sculptures.
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The New Yorker, "Monica Bonvicini," 31 Mar. 2017
See MoreThese example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'shim.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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Time Traveler for shim
The first known use of shim was in 1860
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