brim

1 of 2

noun

ˈbrim 

1

a(1)

: an upper or outer margin : verge

(2)

archaic : the upper surface of a body of water

b

: the edge or rim of a hollow vessel, a natural depression, or a cavity

2

: the projecting rim of a hat

brimless

ˈbrim-ləs 

adjective

brim

2 of 2

verb

brimmed; brimming

transitive verb

: to fill to the brim

intransitive verb

1

: to be or become full often to overflowing

eyes brimming with tears

2

: to reach or overflow a brim

Synonyms

Noun

• border
• borderline
• bound
• boundary
• circumference
• compass
• confines
• edge
• edging
• end
• frame
• fringe
• hem
• margin
• perimeter
• periphery
• rim
• skirt
• skirting
• verge

Verb

• abound
• bristle
• bulge
• burst
• bustle
• buzz
• crawl
• hum
• overflow
• pullulate
• swarm
• teem

Examples of brim in a Sentence

Noun

the brim of the teacup was banded with gold

touched the brim of his cap by way of salute

Verb

Her heart was brimming with happiness.

The show brims with excitement.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

With the lungs rinsed with the high clear air and burning with the work of movement, the blood brims with endorphins. —Maya Silver, Outside Online, 16 Mar. 2025

As for her accessories, Padukone carried a black, top-handle bag and added a white chapeau with a wide brim to her attire. —Julia Teti, WWD, 11 Mar. 2025

Verb

And to sweeten the deal, COA also provides guests with a truly staggering wine list featuring just under 700 labels, while cocktail options range from the Scotch and chocolate-forward Monarca to the Tiki No. 3, a favorite for rum aficionados that’s brimming with notes of tropical fruit and banana. —Jared Ranahan, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025

This sale is brimming with stylish pieces, including this table vase from Kelly Clarkson Home that can stand on its own or be used to showcase flowers. —Rachel Trujillo, People.com, 20 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English brimme; akin to Middle High German brem edge

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Verb

1598, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Phrases Containing brim

• brim with tears
• filled/full to the brim
• snap-brim
• to the brim

Rhymes for brim

• clim
• dim
• grim
• gym
• him
• hymn
• im
• limb
• mim
• prim
• rim
• scrim

Kids Definition

brim

1 of 2 noun

ˈbrim 

1

: the edge or rim of something hollow (as a container)

full to the brim

2

: the part of a hat that sticks out around the lower edge

brimful

-ˈfu̇l

adjective

brimless

-ləs 

adjective

brimmed adjective

brim

2 of 2 verb

brimmed; brimming

: to be or become full to overflowing

brimming with happiness

eyes brimming with tears

boats brimming with tourists