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

This month’s stargazing agenda brims with planet sightings. —Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 1 Feb. 2025

But that said, this is a gorgeous restaurant in many senses: The room is midcentury-modern effervescence, the staff brims with engaged pros, and Namba’s cooking grafts Japanese and French flavors in smart, fresh ways. —Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 1 Feb. 2025

Verb

The atmosphere was brimming with hope, a celebration of Navalny’s life and legacy. —Zachary Schwartz, Vogue, 31 Jan. 2025

Fortunately, Amazon is brimming with fit-and-flare jeans and dramatic bell-bottoms similar to the pairs Clarkson wore. —Emily Weaver, People.com, 24 Jan. 2025

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