rim

1 of 2

noun

ˈrim 

1

a

: brink

b

: the outer often curved or circular edge or border of something

2

a

: the outer part of a wheel joined to the hub usually by spokes

b

: a removable outer metal band on an automobile wheel to which the tire is attached

3

: frame sense 3b(2)

rimless

ˈrim-ləs 

adjective

rim

2 of 2

verb

rimmed; rimming

transitive verb

1

: to run around the rim of

putts that rim the cup

2

: to serve as a rim for : border

cliffs rimming the camp

intransitive verb

: to form or show a rim

Synonyms

Noun

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

Verb

• border
• bound
• edge
• frame
• fringe
• margin
• skirt

Examples of rim in a Sentence

Noun

There were chips on the rim of the plate.

the rim of the volcano

He bought stainless steel rims for his new car.

Verb

She rimmed her eyes with eyeliner.

a porcelain bowl rimmed with gold

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Bringing confidence early, Ball drove for consecutive buckets at the rim and nailed his third 3-pointer of the game off an assist from Karaban in transition. —Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 9 Dec. 2024

This prototype rides on center-lock alloy wheels (19 inches at the front, 20 inches at the rear), but production cars will have 959-style magnesium rims. —Tim Pitt, Robb Report, 4 Dec. 2024

Verb

Tactical Application Vehicles The Trail Dog also comes with a spare tire and rim, a cabinet for storage in the front, a propane tank holder with room for an additional bottle, and support for roof racks. —New Atlas, 1 Dec. 2024

Zendaya Has Turned Pure West London Girl By Daniel Rodgers Guests will be pleased to arrive at this bohemian escape overlooking the Sayan Ridge, a far departure from the often over-the-top resorts that rim Bali’s coast. —Michaela Trimble, Vogue, 27 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Old English rima; akin to Old Norse rimi strip of land

First Known Use

Noun

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

Verb

1621, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Phrases Containing rim

• rim shot

Kids Definition

rim

1 of 2 noun

ˈrim 

1

a

: an outer edge especially of something curved

b

: brink sense 1

2

: the outer part of a wheel joined to the hub usually by spokes

rimless

-ləs 

adjective

rim

2 of 2 verb

rimmed; rimming

1

: to provide with a rim : serve as a rim for : border

2

: to run around the rim of

the putt rimmed the cup