the trimmings

Meanings

1. 1nounplural

   the extra items that are traditionally served with a main dish, such as vegetables, sauces, or stuffing

   Grammar: Used with 'the' and a plural verb: 'The trimmings are ready.' Don't say 'a trimming' for this meaning.

   Patterns

   • the trimmings for something
   • with all the trimmings

   We had roast turkey with all the trimmings: stuffing, gravy, and cranberry sauce.

   For Thanksgiving, my aunt makes the trimmings while I roast the bird.

   The trimmings were so filling that I barely touched the main course.

2. 2nounplural

   the extra decorative parts added to something, especially to clothing or a room

   Grammar: Again used with 'the' and a plural verb: 'The trimmings look lovely.' Often followed by 'on' or 'for'.

   Patterns

   • the trimmings on something
   • the trimmings for something

   She wore a plain black dress with lace trimmings at the sleeves.

   The trimmings on the Christmas tree included tinsel and small lights.

   They kept the trimmings simple: just a few ribbons and flowers.

Common combinations

with all the trimmings

They served a full Christmas dinner with all the trimmings.

the trimmings for a meal

I'll prepare the trimmings for the meal while you set the table.

lace trimmings

The blouse had delicate lace trimmings along the collar.

turkey and all the trimmings

Thanksgiving wouldn't be the same without turkey and all the trimmings.

Synonyms and how they differ

fixings

Used in American English for the extra food served with a main dish; 'trimmings' is more common in British English and can also mean decorations.

garnish

A small decorative addition to a dish, not a full side dish; 'trimmings' usually means substantial extras like vegetables or stuffing.

accessories

Extra items that complete an outfit or object; 'trimmings' often suggests food accompaniments or festive decorations.

Word family

trim verb

To make something neat by cutting away unwanted parts.

trimming noun

A single piece of decoration or an act of cutting; the plural 'trimmings' is used for the extra items.

Commonly confused: the trimmings or trimming?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “the trimmings”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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