Trim Meaning
Trim Definition & Usage
To cut, clip, or remove parts of something in order to make it neat, tidy, or more efficient.
Examples
- "She decided to trim the hedge after it grew too tall and unruly."
- "The hairdresser trimmed his hair to make it look more polished."
- "He trimmed the edges of the paper to make the invitation look neat."
- "Before the presentation, Sarah trimmed her slides to remove unnecessary information."
- "The gardener trimmed the rose bush to promote healthier growth."
A small, decorative or functional border or edging added to something, such as clothing or furniture.
Examples
- "The curtains had a beautiful trim along the edges, adding a touch of elegance."
- "She wore a dress with lace trim around the collar."
- "The wooden table had a brass trim, giving it a vintage look."
- "The car's interior was decorated with leather trim for a luxurious feel."
- "The sweater had a contrasting trim that made it stand out."
Describing someone or something as neat, well-maintained, or in good physical condition.
Examples
- "He looked trim and fit after months of regular exercise."
- "The house is small but trim, with everything in its place."
- "Her trim figure was the result of years of careful dieting."
- "The well-groomed dog had a trim coat and bright eyes."
- "The garden, although small, looked trim and well-kept."
Cultural Context
The word 'trim' has been in use since the Middle Ages and originally meant to cut or shape. Its usage has expanded to refer to both physical appearance and decorative features, and it is commonly associated with neatness or cleanliness in various contexts.
The Trimmed Garden
Story
The Trimmed Garden
Lena had always loved her garden, a peaceful sanctuary from the busy world. However, the years had not been kind to her once-pristine rose bushes. They had grown wild, their thorns dangerously curling outwards, threatening to overtake the pathway. This morning, Lena was determined to fix the mess. Armed with a pair of sharp pruning shears, she set to work, carefully trimming each overgrown branch. The task was not easy—each cut had to be precise, to keep the roses healthy while giving the garden the orderly appearance she adored. As Lena worked, her neighbor, Mr. Hawke, came by. He admired her work, noting how the once-unruly garden was now looking so neat and well-kept. ‘You know, Lena, your garden looks as trim as ever,’ he said with a smile. ‘It’s amazing what a little trimming can do!’ Lena chuckled and explained how she had to trim some of the plants back so they wouldn’t take over the entire space. She wasn’t just concerned about looks, though; a properly trimmed garden was more sustainable and healthy. After an hour, Lena surveyed the results of her hard work. The roses stood tall and proud, their vibrant colors now clearly visible against the tidy greenery. Her work was not done yet, but at least she had brought order back to the chaos. Later that day, Lena walked into town to buy new curtains. She picked out a beautiful set with a delicate lace trim, thinking how perfect it would look in her living room. As she examined the curtains, she realized something: just like her garden, her house needed a little ‘trimming’ too. It wasn’t about changing everything, but rather refining it, giving it a more polished, orderly appearance. By the time she returned home, she was feeling particularly trim herself. The day’s work had not only improved the garden, but also made her feel refreshed, both mentally and physically. The combination of outdoor work and her healthy lifestyle had worked wonders on her figure. She smiled at the mirror, admiring the results, both inside and out. The next time she trimmed her hair or pruned a tree, she would remember the balance between maintenance and care—the small, thoughtful steps that turned something overgrown into something truly beautiful and trim.
