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.

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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

plural

brim,

plural

brims

1. Southern U.S. bream.

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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

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verb

1. to fill or be full to the brim

   eyes brimming with tears

brim Idioms  

1. see filled to the brim.

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Related Words

See rim.

Other Word Forms

• brimless adjective
• brimmingly adverb
• unbrimming adjective

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”

Example Sentences

The result is storage facilities that are full to the brim.

From Barron's • Mar. 13, 2026

For all of the pain and despair at the heart of Preston’s story, his musical contributions brim with optimism and panache.

From Salon • Feb. 20, 2026

As the groups progressed toward the medal contenders, the crowd filled Milano Ice Skating Arena to the brim.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 13, 2026

She told the BBC that the airport had been "packed to the brim" before it was announced that no flights had been able to arrive or leave on Monday morning.

From BBC • Jan. 5, 2026

The broken brim on her hat hung down over one of her ears, and stickers had snagged her skirts.

From "The Teacher’s Funeral" by Richard Peck

Related Words

• fill
• fill up
• overflow
• swell
• teem