- present participle of trim.
trimming
Americannoun
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anything used or serving to decorate or complete.
the trimmings of a Christmas tree.
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Usually trimmings an accompaniment or garnish to a main dish.
roast turkey with all the trimmings.
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trimmings, pieces cut off in trimming, clipping, paring, or pruning.
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the act of a person or thing that trims.
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Informal. a beating or thrashing.
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Informal. a defeat.
Our team took quite a trimming.
noun
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an extra piece used to decorate or complete
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(plural) usual or traditional accompaniments
roast turkey with all the trimmings
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(plural) parts that are cut off
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dialect (plural) ornaments; decorations
Christmas trimmings
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informal a reproof, beating, or defeat
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of trimming
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Trimming its headline size is worthwhile, but the larger opportunity lies in the operating framework behind it.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 19, 2026
Trimming the number of flights Delta is planning to fly, in response to high fuel prices, could help provide more buffer and leave more time for maintenance, executives said in their messages.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 26, 2026
Trimming trees is essential to enhance their appearance, prevent overgrowth and maintain overall health.
From Seattle Times • Feb. 6, 2024
The company, which goes by both Adam’s Tree Service and Adam’s Tree Removal and Trimming, is run by Adam Atiyeh.
From Washington Times • Feb. 14, 2023
“No. He does other work that isn’t so noisy. Trimming, fertilizing—that sort of thing. Quiet things that won’t wake the neighborhood.”
From "Lawn Boy" by Gary Paulsen
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
