brim

1 of 2

noun

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 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

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
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
The current setting of the Higgs field can be pictured as a ball resting at the bottom of the brim. Quanta Magazine, 22 July 2024 As McNary kissed White, a milliner who runs the designer hat brand, Mill & Habs, and turned her hat towards the camera, sonogram images could be seen tucked into the brim of the hat. Hannah Sacks, People.com, 4 Nov. 2024
Verb
Every indulgence is at hand, from fresh-from-Japan sushi to British-style high tea to steakhouses brimming with wagyu beef. Kathy A. McDonald, Variety, 5 Nov. 2024 Fast forward almost 10 years, and these decor-rich spaces still have the duo brimming with inspiration—sparking the idea for the brand’s next move: homewares. Angela Tafoya, Vogue, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for brim 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of brim was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near brim

Cite this Entry

“Brim.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brim. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

brim

1 of 2 noun
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 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

More from Merriam-Webster on brim

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!