Pacific Rim

American  

[puh-sif-ik rim] / pəˈsɪf ɪk ˈrɪm /

noun

1. a geographic area that includes all the landmasses that border the Pacific Ocean when considered collectively, but which often refers specifically and socioeconomically to eastern Asia: What do the economies in Europe and the Pacific Rim tell us about current trends?

   coastal erosion in the Pacific Rim;

   What do the economies in Europe and the Pacific Rim tell us about current trends?

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Pacific rim British  

noun

1. the regions, countries, etc, that lie on the shores of the Pacific Ocean, esp in the context of their developing manufacturing capacity and consumer markets

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Etymology

Origin of Pacific Rim

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

Crane visited Japan last year and decided to boost Houston's Pacific Rim presence with scouts in Tokyo, Taiwan and South Korea.

From Barron's • Jan. 6, 2026

Instead of tit for tat, the prime minister is pivoting Canada with precision toward alternative trade blocs like Europe and the Pacific Rim.

From Salon • Aug. 11, 2025

Even uncertainty over such possibilities can cause havoc in financial markets and raise fears of higher prices, as well as disruptions to vital businesses dependent particularly on Mexico and the Pacific Rim.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 26, 2024

Toshio Iwahama knows now he is at the mercy of the Earth, and his unfortunately placed home on top of the Pacific Rim of Fire.

From BBC • Jan. 3, 2024

We split up the rest, the Chinese, Laotians, Singaporans, Filipinos, the whole transplanted Pacific Rim.

From "Native Speaker" by Chang-rae Lee