dim sum

American  

[dim-suhm] / ˈdɪmˈsʌm /

Or dimsum

noun

Chinese Cooking.

1. small dumplings, usually steamed or fried and filled with meat, seafood, vegetables, condiments, etc.

2. a traditional light meal or dish consisting of these dumplings or other small items of savory or sweet food.

   an assortment of dim sum, which included shrimp dumplings, spring rolls, and steamed pork ribs.

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dim sum British  

/ ˈdɪm ˈsʌm /

noun

1. a Chinese appetizer of steamed dumplings containing various fillings

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Etymology

Origin of dim sum

First recorded in 1965–70; from Chinese dialect (Guangdong) dím sàm, equivalent to Chinese diǎnxīn ( diǎn “dot, speck” + xīn “heart”)

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

dim sum

Founded in 1975, the Jollibee restaurant group houses 19 brands with over 10,000 outlets in 33 countries, including the Tim Ho Wan dim sum chain and Smashburger.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 1, 2026

This incredible access to food—from carts of dim sum in Chinatown to the perfectly chewy Upper West Side bagels I was raised on—instilled in me a lifelong appreciation and appetite for food of all kinds.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 31, 2026

Cook had pulled up to 812 N. Broadway that day to meet a friend for dim sum.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 13, 2026

The menu skews Asian fusion, with sushi, dim sum, wagyu and — unsurprisingly — Peking duck as the centerpiece, served with pancakes, hoisin and scallions.

From Salon ● Mar. 7, 2026

Tonight's our family dim sum dinner at Lola's favorite Chinese place.

From "The House That Lou Built" by Mae Respicio