trimming

[trim-ing]

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.

trimming

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of trimming¹

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

Example Sentences

“This isn’t a time to be greedy. Exercise control, which means trimming winners and taking profits where appropriate.”

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The plant also started trimming output of F-Series Super Duty trucks, some of which can cost more than $100,000, according to factory workers.

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Having trimmed his deficit behind series leader Piastri by 41 points since the summer break before trimming it to 55 by winning the sprint, Verstappen was positive about his hopes.

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Cuomo said he would find ways for the city to save money by trimming its existing budget.

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For the second year in a row, big Medicare insurers are getting rid of some plans, trimming popular benefits and increasing out-of-pocket costs such as deductibles.

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Related Words

• decoration 
• frill 
• ornamentation