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Synonyms

brim

1 American  
[brim] / brɪm /

noun

  1. the upper edge of anything hollow; rim; brink.

    the brim of a cup.

  2. a projecting edge.

    the brim of a hat.

  3. margin.


verb (used without object)

brimmed, brimming
  1. to be full to the brim.

verb (used with object)

brimmed, brimming
  1. to fill to the brim.

brim 2 American  
[brim] / brɪm /

noun

brims plural
  1. Southern U.S. bream.


brim British  
/ brɪm /

noun

  1. the upper rim of a vessel

    the brim of a cup

  2. a projecting rim or edge

    the brim of a hat

  3. the brink or edge of something

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

verb

  1. to fill or be full to the brim

    eyes brimming with tears

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
brim Idioms  

Synonym Usage

See rim.

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of brim

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English brimme “brink, rim” (earlier, “shore, bank”); apparently akin to Middle High German brem, ( German Bräme ), Old Norse barmr “rim, edge”

Explanation

The brim is the top of a container, like the edge of a cup. Also, if a cup is brimming, it’s full. This word has a couple meanings related to fullness. If a cup is full, it’s filled to the brim. The brim is the top. Containers such as buckets and pitchers have brims too. Also, the bucket is brimming if it's totally full. A brimming container is likely to spill. People can brim too: you can be brimming with enthusiasm or happiness. Like a cup about to spill, you can’t quite contain yourself when you’re brimming with joy.

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Vocabulary lists containing brim

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.

While her razor-sharp bars still slice on songs like “Raw” with Lil Wayne and Niko Brim, the album makes its mark by entering a new territory of unapologetic vulnerability.

From Seattle Times • May 24, 2024

The lineup of stars who will temporarily fill Chanel West Coast’s shoes alongside “Ridiculousness” hosts Rob Dyrdek and Steelo Brim just dropped, and it includes swimsuit model Nina Agdal and retired wrestler Brie Bella.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 29, 2023

Christine Brim, the task force’s leader, appeared in person or emailed staff nearly every day, according to Scott Konopasek, the registrar at the time.

From New York Times • May 30, 2022

The 339 applications filed without the Social Security number fragments were identified by Christine Brim, a conservative activist and county resident.

From Washington Times • Oct. 22, 2021

He will Ascend the Well-Pole, and remove from the Very Top a Hat, and as much of the Crown and Brim thereof, as May be Permitted.

From Tales of the Argonauts by Harte, Bret

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