trim

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   To cut a small amount off something to make it neat or shorter.

   He trimmed his beard before the interview.

2. 2
   verb

   To decorate something, especially with small ornaments.

   They traditionally trim the tree on Christmas Eve.

3. 3
   noun

   A decoration added to the edge of clothing or an object.

   The coat had a fur trim around the hood.

Multiword verbs with trim

• trim down Phrasal verb B1

  to reduce the size or amount of something

Appears in

Simplified etymology

Trim appeared in Old English with the sense “make firm” or “arrange,” but its earlier history and later development are obscure. From the 16th century it acquired uses involving preparing, fitting out, repairing, decorating, and cutting away unwanted material; the description of a well-equipped ship as trim later contributed to the sense “slim and fit.”

From Middle English trimen, trymen, trümen, from Old English trymman (“to make firm; strengthen”), from Proto-West Germanic *trummjan, from Proto-Germanic *trumjaną (“to make fast; strengthen”), from Proto-Germanic *trumaz (“firm; strong; sound”).

Topics

External links

• Google Images
• Cambridge Dictionary
• Wiktionary