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

• 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

The Masters’ green jacket, the haka before New Zealand rugby matches, the seventh-inning stretch in baseball—these rituals are not just trimmings but the connective tissue of sport. —Rick Burton, Sportico.com, 6 Oct. 2025

The beauty of cotton curtains lies in their versatility—the easy-to-handle material can be printed, support a variety of embroidery techniques, and adorned with trimmings to draw more attention to your windows. —Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 19 Sep. 2025

Never burn leaves or other yard trimmings. —Aaron Valdez, Cincinnati Enquirer, 17 Sep. 2025

Tree trimming helps ensure the power stays on during storms. —Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 17 Sep. 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