trimming

noun

trim·​ming ˈtri-miŋ 

1

a

: an additional garnishing

turkey and all the trimmings

b

: a decorative accessory or additional item

trimmings for a hat

c

: the remnants of something that has been trimmed : clipping

tree/grass/hedge trimmings

2

: defeat, beating

3

: the act of one who trims

Synonyms of trimming

• defeat
• beating
• loss
• whipping
• setback
• licking

Examples of trimming in a Sentence

our football team suffered a pretty severe trimming

Recent Examples on the Web

They can be placed in yard trimmings carts if the lid closes. —Anne Gelhaus, Mercury News, 4 Jan. 2026

Most crape myrtles need very little trimming. —Brian Bell, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Jan. 2026

Remove stand and trimmings; trees should be cut into 4-foot lengths or shorter. —Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Dec. 2025

Those crispy, salty fat trimmings are incredible in cornbread. —Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 30 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1525, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Rhymes for trimming

• brimming
• dimming
• miming
• rimming
• skimming
• slimming
• swimming

Kids Definition

trimming

noun

trim·​ming

ˈtrim-iŋ

1

: the action of one that trims

2

: a severe defeat or beating

3

: something that trims, ornaments, or completes

trimmings for a hat

turkey with all the trimmings