shim

1 of 2

noun

: a thin, often tapered piece of material (such as wood, metal, or stone) used to fill in space between things (as for support, leveling, or adjustment of fit)

shim

2 of 2

verb

shimmed; shimming

transitive verb

: to fill out or level up by the use of a shim

Examples of shim in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Add or Remove Hinge Shims Hinge shims are thin pieces of material that fit between the hinge and the door or the hinge and the door jamb. Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 May 2025 After Preece crossed the line in second position in the Jack Link's 500, NASCAR disqualified the driver for unapproved shims in the rear spoiler. Mohammed Soliman, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Apr. 2025
Verb
For her second selfie, Allen shimmed slightly to the side, gently angling the camera towards her body. Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 2 May 2025 The royal wore cuff earrings with shimming silver elements and a touch of emerald to complement her frock. Julia Teti, WWD, 4 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for shim

Word History

Etymology

Noun

origin unknown

First Known Use

Noun

1860, in the meaning defined above

Verb

circa 1890, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of shim was in 1860

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shim.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shim. Accessed 9 Jun. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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