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

Most would do so by standardizing or trimming regulation.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

The trend of "agentic AI" has taken off, with bots handling computer tasks by themselves and businesses trimming ranks of human workers as a result.

From Barron's • Mar. 15, 2026

Typical hedge trimming techniques, which use heavy machinery, can leave hedges sparse, creating unfavourable living environments for local animals like birds, hedgehogs and insects.

From BBC • Mar. 8, 2026

Music legend Gene Simmons has yet again slashed the asking price of his former Beverly Hills home—months after trimming a half-million dollars.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 27, 2026

Gilderoy Lockhart, however, was immaculate in sweeping robes of turquoise, his golden hair shining under a perfectly positioned turquoise hat with gold trimming.

From "Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets" by J. K. Rowling

Related Words

• decoration
• frill
• ornamentation