dim sum

noun

ˈdim-ˈsəm 

plural dim sums also dim sum

: traditional Chinese food consisting of a variety of items (such as steamed or fried dumplings, pieces of cooked chicken, and rice balls) served in small portions

Examples of dim sum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

However, her retirement days didn’t last long, as the idea of owning a dim sum restaurant blossomed less than a year later. —Sacbee.com, 12 Sep. 2025

From authentic dim sum and Sichuan specialties to contemporary fusion and innovative street-to-table experiences, Jakarta offers an unbeatable gastronomic playground for travelers seeking authentic Asian cuisine. —Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025

Pad thai, sushi, dim sum and cheesecake don’t typically appear on the same menu. —Kansas City Star, 4 Sep. 2025

In New York City’s Chinatown in 1931, Luli Lee daydreams about dim sum and worries about her parents, who are struggling to keep the family restaurant afloat during the Great Depression. —Caroline Carlson september 2, Literary Hub, 2 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Chinese (Guangdong) dímsām, from dím dot, speck + sām heart

First Known Use

1948, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for dim sum

• become
• checksum
• humdrum
• income
• outcome
• succumb
• therefrom
• wherefrom
• abomasum
• bum
• chum
• come