aims; aimed; aiming
1
a
: to point (a weapon) at a target
He aimed the gun carefully before shooting.
Don't aim that pistol at me!
He aimed carefully before shooting.
Ready, aim, fire!
b
: to point (a device) at something
aim a camera
Try to aim the antenna in the right direction.
She aimed the telescope at a point in the eastern sky.
She aimed at a point in the eastern sky.
c
: to direct (something, such as a missile, a ball, a punch, or a kick) at a target
He aimed the stone at the tree but missed.
The throw from the shortstop was poorly/badly aimed.
well-aimed and badly aimed kicks/punches
He aimed for the corner of the goal.
2
: to have a specified goal or purpose
If you want to be successful, you have to aim high. [=you have to be ambitious]
—often + atThe movie aims at comedy [=the movie is intended to be a comedy], but it really isn't very funny.
a political movement that aims at promoting world peace
—often + forThe movie aims for comedy.
aim for a goal
If you're trying to lose weight, you should give yourself a goal/target to aim for.
—followed by to + verba political movement that aims to promote world peace
They aim [=intend] to reform the government.
We aim [=plan] to arrive there at around noon.
We aim to please.
3
: to direct (something) at a particular goal, group of people, etc.
He aimed his criticism primarily at parents.
—usually used as (be) aimedHis criticism was aimed primarily at parents.
The television program is aimed directly/primarily at children. [=is intended mainly for children]
The new system is aimed at reducing costs. [=the purpose of the new system is to reduce costs]
a political movement that is aimed at promoting world peace
plural aims
1
: a goal or purpose
a political movement whose aim is to promote world peace
Our ultimate aim is to create something of lasting value.
The book has two basic aims.
She was unable to achieve her aims.
I started this business with the aim of making a profit.
2
: the ability to hit a target
His aim was good.
He fired at the target but his aim was off/bad and he missed.
Cite this Entry
“Aim.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/aim. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
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