trimming

American  

[trim-ing] / ˈtrɪm ɪŋ /

noun

1. anything used or serving to decorate or complete.

   the trimmings of a Christmas tree.

2. Usually trimmings an accompaniment or garnish to a main dish.

   roast turkey with all the trimmings.

3. trimmings, pieces cut off in trimming, clipping, paring, or pruning.

4. the act of a person or thing that trims.

5. Informal. a beating or thrashing.

6. Informal. a defeat.

   Our team took quite a trimming.

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trimming British  

/ ˈtrɪmɪŋ /

noun

1. an extra piece used to decorate or complete

2. (plural) usual or traditional accompaniments

   roast turkey with all the trimmings

3. (plural) parts that are cut off

4. dialect (plural) ornaments; decorations

   Christmas trimmings

5. informal a reproof, beating, or defeat

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Etymology

Origin of trimming

First recorded in 1510–20; trim + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Defenders of the shift argue that “overvaccination” has been a problem and that trimming back recommendations is course correction.

From MarketWatch

The pressure is so great that some superstitious students avoid washing their hair or trimming their nails as the single exam day every November approaches—fearful knowledge might slip away.

From The Wall Street Journal

Greengart said he expects an emphasis on personal computers because of a rivalry among Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm to produce chips that provide lots of AI capability while trimming power use to extend battery life.

From Barron's

Companies typically respond by trimming labor costs and attempting to boost productivity to offset higher production costs.

From Barron's

With the profits taken from trimming exposure to fast-growing names, Arnott is putting money into areas that look cheaper and less loved, such as international and value stocks, to boost diversification.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• decoration
• frill
• ornamentation