trimming

noun

trim·​ming ˈtri-miŋ 

1

a

: an additional garnishing

turkey and all the trimmings

b

: a decorative accessory or additional item

trimmings for a hat

c

: the remnants of something that has been trimmed : clipping

tree/grass/hedge trimmings

2

: defeat, beating

3

: the act of one who trims

Synonyms

• beating
• defeat
• drubbing
• licking
• loss
• lump
• overthrow
• plastering
• rout
• shellacking
• trouncing
• whipping

Examples of trimming in a Sentence

our football team suffered a pretty severe trimming

Recent Examples on the Web

General comment on the season: The Milan fall collections remind us of the importance of touch — connecting with nature through elegance, the charm of luxurious trimmings and details. —Luisa Zargani, WWD, 21 Jan. 2025

Any residents who’ve missed the Jan. 10 deadline will need to cut up their tree and deposit them in the yard trimmings bin. —Chase Hunter, The Mercury News, 3 Jan. 2025

In a costume designed by Jazmin Aurora Medina, his whole look is a mix of royal trimmings and street clothes that screams rich boy who wants to cosplay as a normie. —Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 15 Jan. 2025

If that’s not enough, Florence Pugh’s Yelena shows up, putting the trimming on the tree. —Greg Braxton, Los Angeles Times, 27 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1525, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Kids Definition

trimming

noun

trim·​ming

ˈtrim-iŋ

1

: the action of one that trims

2

: a severe defeat or beating

3

: something that trims, ornaments, or completes

trimmings for a hat

turkey with all the trimmings