trim
to put into a neat or orderly condition by clipping, paring, pruning, etc.: to trim a hedge.
to remove (something superfluous or dispensable) by or as if by cutting (often followed by off): to trim off loose threads from a ragged edge.
to cut down, as to required size or shape: trim a budget; trim a piece of wood.
Aeronautics. to level off (an airship or airplane) in flight.
Nautical.
to distribute the load of (a ship) so that it sits well in the water.
to stow or arrange, as cargo.
to adjust (the sails or yards) with reference to the direction of the wind and the course of the ship.
to decorate or adorn with ornaments or embellishments: to trim a dress with fur.
to arrange goods in (a store window, showcase, etc.) as a display.
to prepare or adjust (a lamp, fire, etc.) for proper burning.
Informal.
to rebuke or reprove.
to beat or thrash.
to defeat.
to dress or array (often followed by up).
Nautical.
to assume a particular position or trim in the water, as a vessel.
to adjust the sails or yards with reference to the direction of the wind and the course of the ship.
to pursue a neutral or cautious policy between parties.
to accommodate one's views to the prevailing opinion for reasons of expediency.
the condition, order, or fitness of a person or thing for action, work, use, etc.
Nautical.
the set of a ship in the water, especially the most advantageous one.
the condition of a ship with reference to its fitness for sailing.
the adjustment of sails, rigging, etc., with reference to wind direction and the course of the ship.
the condition of a submarine as regards buoyancy.
a person's dress, adornment, or appearance.
material used for decoration or embellishment; decorative trimming.
decoration of a store window for the display of merchandise; window dressing.
a trimming by cutting, clipping, or the like.
a haircut that restores the previous cut to neatness without changing the hairstyle.
something that is cut off or eliminated.
Aeronautics. the attitude of an airplane with respect to all three axes, at which balance occurs in forward flight under no controls.
Building Trades. finished woodwork or the like used to decorate or border openings or wall surfaces, as cornices, baseboards, or moldings.
Automotive.
the upholstery, knobs, handles, and other equipment inside a motor car.
ornamentation on the exterior of an automobile, especially in metal or a contrasting color.
pleasingly neat or smart in appearance: trim lawns.
in good condition or order.
(of a person) in excellent physical condition: Swimming is a good way to keep trim.
slim; lean.
Obsolete. good, excellent, or fine.
trimly.
Idioms about trim
trim one's sails. sail (def. 19).
Origin of trim
1Other words for trim
Other words from trim
- trimly, adverb
- trimness, noun
- o·ver·trim, verb, o·ver·trimmed, o·ver·trim·ming.
- pre·trim, verb, pre·trimmed, pre·trim·ming.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use trim in a sentence
Across the water, in clear sight, was riding a trimly built little sailing craft, that had a very familiar look to her old eyes.
They Looked and Loved | Mrs. Alex McVeigh MillerHe was a graceful person, trimly and delicately fashioned, and in this strange setting altogether inexplicable.
A Hoosier Chronicle | Meredith NicholsonHis clothing was dark, and the belted coat fitted him trimly.
On the Edge of the Arctic | Harry Lincoln SaylerA pleasant place it was, indeed, and trimly eloquent of the hand of an old seafaring man.
Cursed | George Allan EnglandMrs. Phox ensorcelled George with her beautiful, silly phace, shadowed with vermeil tinct and trimly pencilled.
British Dictionary definitions for trim (1 of 2)
/ (trɪm) /
neat and spruce in appearance
slim; slender
in good condition
to put in good order, esp by cutting or pruning
to shape and finish (timber)
to adorn or decorate
(sometimes foll by off or away) to cut so as to remove: to trim off a branch
to cut down to the desired size or shape: to trim material to a pattern
dialect to decorate: to trim a Christmas tree
nautical
(also intr) to adjust the balance of (a vessel) or (of a vessel) to maintain an even balance, by distribution of ballast, cargo, etc
(also intr) to adjust (a vessel's sails) to take advantage of the wind
to stow (cargo)
to balance (an aircraft) before flight by adjusting the position of the load or in flight by the use of trim tabs, fuel transfer, etc
(also intr) to modify (one's opinions, etc) to suit opposing factions or for expediency
informal to thrash or beat
informal to rebuke
obsolete to furnish or equip
a decoration or adornment
the upholstery and decorative facings, as on the door panels, of a car's interior
proper order or fitness; good shape: in trim
a haircut that neatens but does not alter the existing hairstyle
nautical
the general set and appearance of a vessel
the difference between the draught of a vessel at the bow and at the stern
the fitness of a vessel
the position of a vessel's sails relative to the wind
the relative buoyancy of a submarine
dress or equipment
US window-dressing
the attitude of an aircraft in flight when the pilot allows the main control surfaces to take up their own positions
films a section of shot cut out during editing
material that is trimmed off
decorative mouldings, such as architraves, picture rails, etc
Origin of trim
1Derived forms of trim
- trimly, adverb
- trimness, noun
British Dictionary definitions for Trim (2 of 2)
/ (trɪm) /
the county town of Meath, Republic of Ireland; 12th-century castle, medieval cathedral; textiles and machinery. Pop: 5894 (2002)
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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