dim sum

American  

[dim-suhm] / ˈdɪmˈsʌm /

Or dimsum

noun

Chinese Cooking.

1. small dumplings, usually steamed or fried and filled with meat, seafood, vegetables, condiments, etc.

2. a traditional light meal or dish consisting of these dumplings or other small items of savory or sweet food.

   an assortment of dim sum, which included shrimp dumplings, spring rolls, and steamed pork ribs.

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dim sum British  

/ ˈdɪm ˈsʌm /

noun

1. a Chinese appetizer of steamed dumplings containing various fillings

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Etymology

Origin of dim sum

First recorded in 1965–70; from Chinese dialect (Guangdong) dím sàm, equivalent to Chinese diǎnxīn ( diǎn “dot, speck” + xīn “heart”)

Example Sentences

Cook had pulled up to 812 N. Broadway that day to meet a friend for dim sum.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026

After a lot of research, our critics find that consistent examples of excellent dim sum are challenging, but not impossible, to pinpoint.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 10, 2026

“The dim sum bond market is growing like crazy,” said Alicia Garcia Herrero, an economist at the French bank Natixis and a professor at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 18, 2026

Look around for inspiration: the deli, the dim sum cart, the snack aisle.

From Salon • May 19, 2025

Tonight's our family dim sum dinner at Lola's favorite Chinese place.

From "The House That Lou Built" by Mae Respicio