Meaning & use
trims
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“trims” is a form of “trim”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
verbtransitive
Cuts away small amounts from something to make it neater, shorter or smaller.
Grammar: Takes an object: she trims the hedge every month.
Patterns
- someone trims something
- someone trims something off something
He trims his beard every Sunday evening.
She trims the fat off the meat before cooking.
The gardener trims the hedges twice each summer.
verbtransitive
Reduces an amount, cost or size, often to save money.
Grammar: Takes an object: the firm trims costs.
Patterns
- someone trims something
- someone trims something from something
The company trims costs whenever sales fall.
The editor trims each article to fit the page.
The council trims the budget slightly every year.
nounplural
Decorative edging or finishing details on clothes, furniture or buildings, or the level of fittings on a car.
Grammar: The plural of trim: the trims on the coat; the car comes in three trims.
Patterns
- trims on something
The curtains have gold trims along the edges.
This car is available in three trims, each with different seats.
She picked white window trims to match the front door.
Word forms
| third person singular | trims |
|---|---|
| past tense | trimmed |
| past participle | trimmed |
| -ing form | trimming |
| plural | trims |
Common combinations
- trims the hedge
- My neighbor trims the hedge every weekend.
- trims costs
- The airline trims costs by cutting short routes.
- trims her hair
- She trims her hair herself to save money.
- leather trims
- The seats have leather trims.
- trims the fat
- The chef trims the fat before grilling.
Synonyms and how they differ
- cuts
- Is a broader word, while trims suggests removing only a small neat amount.
- clips
- Suggests quick snips with scissors or shears, often for hedges, nails or paper.
- prunes
- Is used for cutting back plants to help them grow, while trims can apply to anything.
- reduces
- Is general and neutral, whereas trims suggests a careful small reduction.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: trims or tribes?
trims vs tribes
Tribes are groups of people; it sounds a little like trims but has no connection in meaning.
Practice
My barber ____ only a little from the sides so the style stays the same.
Choose one answer.
The subject my barber is third person singular in the present simple, so trims is needed. The bare form trim would need a plural subject.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “trims”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.