trimming

[trim-ing]

noun

1. anything used or serving to decorate or complete.

   the trimmings of a Christmas tree.

2. Usually trimmings an accompaniment or garnish to a main dish.

   roast turkey with all the trimmings.

3. trimmings, pieces cut off in trimming, clipping, paring, or pruning.

4. the act of a person or thing that trims.

5. Informal.,  a beating or thrashing.

6. Informal.,  a defeat.

   Our team took quite a trimming.

trimming

/ ˈtrɪmɪŋ /

noun

1. an extra piece used to decorate or complete

2. (plural) usual or traditional accompaniments

   roast turkey with all the trimmings

3. (plural) parts that are cut off

4. dialect,  (plural) ornaments; decorations

   Christmas trimmings

5. informal,  a reproof, beating, or defeat

Word History and Origins

Origin of trimming¹

First recorded in 1510–20; trim + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

With judicious trimming, particularly of the occasional puddle of expository or repetitive dialogue, the play would gain a tauter pace.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

The firm reiterated a Buy rating on Penguin Solutions while trimming its price target on the stock to $27 from $31.

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The residents in West Altadena questioned why the street wasn’t lined with “No Parking” signs typically in place during tree trimmings and why they weren’t notified about the work.

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Some customers have pointed out that even as Edison has charged more for tree trimming and equipment upgrades meant to make its system safer and more reliable, its electric lines continue to spark fires.

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The government views this as a game changer in reducing carbon emissions and trimming oil imports.

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Related Words

• decoration 
• frill 
• ornamentation