rim

1 of 2

noun

ˈrim 

1

a

: brink

b

: the outer often curved or circular edge or border of something

2

a

: the outer part of a wheel joined to the hub usually by spokes

b

: a removable outer metal band on an automobile wheel to which the tire is attached

3

: frame sense 3b(2)

rimless

ˈrim-ləs 

adjective

rim

2 of 2

verb

rimmed; rimming

transitive verb

1

: to run around the rim of

putts that rim the cup

2

: to serve as a rim for : border

cliffs rimming the camp

intransitive verb

: to form or show a rim

Synonyms

Noun

• border
• borderline
• bound
• boundary
• brim
• circumference
• compass
• confines
• edge
• edging
• end
• frame
• fringe
• hem
• margin
• perimeter
• periphery
• skirt
• skirting
• verge

Verb

• border
• bound
• edge
• frame
• fringe
• margin
• skirt

Examples of rim in a Sentence

Noun

There were chips on the rim of the plate.

the rim of the volcano

He bought stainless steel rims for his new car.

Verb

She rimmed her eyes with eyeliner.

a porcelain bowl rimmed with gold

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Junior Chloe Kitts has five double-doubles on the season, and 6-foot-3 center Sania Feagin is the team’s best rim protector after putting up a career-high six blocks on Texas. —Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 15 Feb. 2025

Cass was sitting his heaving horse on the rim of the canyon, looking down at some sprays of fresh dirt on the ground below him. —Frank C. Hibben, Outdoor Life, 13 Feb. 2025

Verb

The finished project is composed of mostly original components that include bodywork, exhaust, and Borrani rims, in addition to the original close-ratio five-speed transmission run at Daytona by the factory team. —Robert Ross, Robb Report, 15 Feb. 2025

First, rim the glass with sugar for the sweet tooth or lime zest for a flavorful kick. —Isabella Milano, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Old English rima; akin to Old Norse rimi strip of land

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1621, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Phrases Containing rim

• rim shot

Kids Definition

rim

1 of 2 noun

ˈrim 

1

a

: an outer edge especially of something curved

b

: brink sense 1

2

: the outer part of a wheel joined to the hub usually by spokes

rimless

-ləs 

adjective

rim

2 of 2 verb

rimmed; rimming

1

: to provide with a rim : serve as a rim for : border

2

: to run around the rim of

the putt rimmed the cup