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
- ☆
- to decorate or embellish as by adding ornaments, contrasting materials, etc.: to trim a Christmas tree
- to arrange an attractive display of merchandise in or on: to trim a store window
- to balance (a ship) by ballasting, shifting cargo, etc.
- 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
- to scold; chide; rebuke
- to beat, punish, thrash, etc.
- to defeat decisively
- to cheat
Origin:
via ME dial. < OE trymman, to make firm, set in order, array < trum, strong, firm: for IE base see tree
adjective trimmer, trimmest
- orderly; neat; tidy
- well-proportioned; smartly designed
- in good condition