trimmer

noun

trim·​mer ˈtri-mər 

1

a(1)

: one that trims articles

(2)

: one that stows coal or freight on a ship so as to distribute the weight properly

b

: an instrument or machine with which trimming is done

c

: a circuit element (such as a capacitor) used to tune a circuit to a desired frequency

2

: a beam that receives the end of a header in floor framing

3

: a person who modifies a policy, position, or opinion especially out of expediency

Synonyms

• acrobat
• chameleon
• chancer [British]
• opportunist
• temporizer
• timeserver
• weathercock

Examples of trimmer in a Sentence

gradually fading in the primaries, the former front-runner watched helplessly as the trimmers rushed to embrace the party's newest rising star

last year's winner of the tournament unexpectedly got trimmed in the first round, and the trimmer was a young player that no one had ever heard of

Recent Examples on the Web

This trimmer comes with two blade attachments that can be used anywhere from head to toe. —Anamaria Glavan, Allure, 5 Oct. 2024

If your hubby is in the market for a body trimmer, this one is lauded by tens of thousands of reviewers who say the gadget results in a smooth, nick-proof trim or shave. —Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 7 Oct. 2024

This versatile electric razor includes a precision trimmer and a close-shave foil head, plus adjustable guards for customized hair lengths. —Hyphensocial Contributors, Rolling Stone, 5 Oct. 2024

Avoid mechanical damage from lawnmowers and grass trimmers as much as possible. —Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1555, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Phrases Containing trimmer

• string trimmer