trim

Trim means to remove, cut or decorate.

(verb)

An example of to trim is to shorten the stems of flowers.

Trim is defined as material used for decoration.

(noun)

An example of trim is garland around the Christmas tree.

The definition of trim is neat in appearance or in excellent physical shape.

(adjective)

See trim in Webster's New World College Dictionary

transitive verb trimmed, trimming

Obsolete to prepare; fit out; dress
to put in proper order; make neat or tidy, esp. by clipping, lopping, etc.: to trim one's mustache
to clip, lop, cut, etc.: often with off: to trim dead branches off a tree
to cut (something) down to the required size or shape
☆
1. to decorate or embellish as by adding ornaments, contrasting materials, etc.: to trim a Christmas tree
2. to arrange an attractive display of merchandise in or on: to trim a store window
1. to balance (a ship) by ballasting, shifting cargo, etc.
2. to put (sails or yards) in order for sailing
to balance (a flying aircraft) by adjusting stabilizers, tabs, etc.
to modify according to expediency; adjust; adapt
Informal
1. to scold; chide; rebuke
2. to beat, punish, thrash, etc.
3. to defeat decisively
4. to cheat

Origin: via ME dial. < OE trymman, to make firm, set in order, array < trum, strong, firm: for IE base see tree

intransitive verb

1. to change one's opinions or viewpoint so as to satisfy opposing factions, etc.; keep a middle-of-the-road policy; compromise
2. to change one's opinions or viewpoint opportunistically
1. to keep in balance: said of a ship
2. to keep a ship in balance, as by adjusting the sails or yards

noun

order; arrangement; condition: in proper trim
good condition or order: to keep in trim for sports
equipment; gear; dress
a trimming by clipping, cutting, etc.
1. ☆ window dressing
2. ☆ decorative molding or borders, esp. around windows and doors
3. ☆ the interior furnishings or the exterior ornamental metalwork of an automobile
4. any ornamental trimming: a dress with lace trim
1. the condition of being ready to sail: said of a ship
2. the position of a ship in the water in relation to the horizontal, esp. a fore-and-aft horizontal axis
3. correct position in the water: a ship is if stable and floating on an even keel, if not
4. the difference between the draft of a ship forward and the draft aft
5. the adjustment of the sails or yards in managing a ship
6. the degree of buoyancy of a submarine
the position of an airplane in relation to a fore-and-aft horizontal axis
something that is trimmed, as a section of film () cut out in editing
Obsolete character (of a person)

in a trim manner

Related Forms:

See trim in American Heritage Dictionary 4

verb trimmed trimmed, trim·ming, trims

verb, transitive

To make neat or tidy by clipping, smoothing, or pruning: trimmed his moustache.
a. To remove (excess) by cutting: trim a budget.
b. To remove the excess from by or as if by cutting: trimmed off the rotten wood.
To ornament; decorate.
Informal
a. To thrash; beat.
b. To defeat soundly.
c. To cheat.
d. To rebuke; scold.
Nautical
a. To adjust (the sails and yards) so that they receive the wind properly.
b. To balance (a ship) by shifting its cargo or contents.
To balance (an aircraft) in flight by regulating the control surfaces and tabs.
To furnish or equip.

verb, intransitive

Nautical
a. To be in or retain equilibrium.
b. To make sails and yards ready for sailing.
a. To affect or maintain cautious neutrality.
b. To fashion one's views for momentary popularity or advantage.

noun

a. State of order, arrangement, or appearance; condition: in good trim.
b. A condition of good health or fitness.
a. Exterior ornamentation, such as moldings or framework, on a building or vehicle.
b. Decoration or ornament, as for clothing.
Material used in commercial window displays.
Dress or equipment.
Excised or rejected material, such as film that has been cut in editing. Often used in the plural.
Personal quality; character.
A cutting or clipping to make neat: My hair needs a trim.
Nautical
a. The readiness of a vessel for sailing with regard to ballast, sails, and yards.
b. The balance of a ship.
c. The difference between the draft at the bow and at the stern.
The position of an aircraft relative to its horizontal axis.

adjective trim·mer, trim·mest

a. In good or neat order.
b. In good physical condition; fit; slim.
Having lines, edges, or forms of neat and pleasing simplicity. See Synonyms at neat¹.

adverb

In a trim manner.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English trimmen, to make firm

Origin: , from Old English trymman

Origin: , from trum, strong; see deru- in Indo-European roots

Related Forms: