trimming

American  

[trim-ing] / ˈtrɪm ɪŋ /

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.

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trimming British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of trimming

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

Example Sentences

To cope with higher costs, whether for tariffs, energy, taxes, or health insurance, a business owner looks at all options, which may mean trimming head count instead of raising prices.

From The Wall Street Journal

Thursday's decision marks the sixth reduction since the BoE began a trimming cycle in August 2024, one month after Britain's Labour party won a general election.

From Barron's

If you own 20+ year Treasury funds, consider trimming to 5%-7% of your portfolio and moving the rest to shorter-duration bonds.

From MarketWatch

He has said he agrees with a policy essay External link by Bessent that calls for giving control of the Fed’s balance sheet to the Treasury while trimming it further.

From Barron's

For income investors with a value bent, those six have the ingredients of a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings.

From Barron's

Related Words

• decoration
• frill
• ornamentation