Brim
/brɪm/
nounBeginnerCommonGeneral
Meanings
Questions
Definitions
2 meanings1
The upper edge or rim of something, especially a container or a hat.
/brɪm/
nounneutralBeginner
General
The edge of something
The brim of the glass was full of water.
💡 Simply: The top edge of something.
More Examples
2
She adjusted the brim of her sun hat.
How It's Used
General
"The brim of his hat shaded his eyes."
Containers
"The brim of the cup was overflowing."
2
To be full to the point of overflowing; to be filled to the brim.
/brɪm/
verbneutralIntermediate
General
To be full to the point of overflowing
Her eyes brimmed with tears.
💡 Simply: To be very full.
More Examples
2
The basket brimmed with freshly picked apples.
How It's Used
General
"The river was brimming with water after the storm."
Tip:Imagine a cup brimming with coffee – it's so full it's almost spilling.
Old English *brim, meaning "edge, border". Related to Old High German *brimmo and Old Norse *brúnn, both meaning "brow, edge".
The word's use as relating to the edge of something is very old, dating back to Old English.
Memory tip
Think of the brim of a hat – it's the edge that sticks out.
Practice
brimmbrimmed
Usage
40%Spoken
60%Written