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

The rounded cap, with its short, stiff brim, is a more fashionable take on a beret — and a style that designers like Chanel and Dolce & Gabbana continue to reinvent in classic tweed or edgy lace and netting. —Lane Nieset, Travel + Leisure, 7 Dec. 2024

On a purely aesthetic level, meanwhile, the show brims with design marvels: a cabinet from Eileen Gray, the recognizable Ultrafragola mirror with its pink undulating frame from Ettore Sottsass, elaborate vintage perfume bottles, an elegant water closet decorated with a blue botanical motif. —Amy Verner, Vogue, 19 Oct. 2024

Verb

Of course the spa here is brimming with more concrete cures, with more to explore than bares listing. —Brett Braley, Robb Report, 21 Dec. 2024

The Temptations were brimming with high hopes on Dec. 21, 1964, a Christmas-week optimism that turned out to be well justified. —Brian McCollum, Detroit Free Press, 21 Dec. 2024

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

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