trimming Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the act of adding decoration
    • the children had to be in bed before it was time for the trimming of the tree
  2. noun a decoration or adornment on a garment
    trim; passementerie.
    • the trimming on a hat
    • the trim on a shirt
  3. noun cutting down to the desired size or shape
    trim; clipping.
  4. verb remove the edges from and cut down to the desired size
    trim; pare.
    • pare one's fingernails
    • trim the photograph
    • trim lumber
  5. verb decorate, as with ornaments
    trim.
    • trim the christmas tree
    • trim a shop window
  6. verb cut down on; make a reduction in
    trim; cut; cut back; bring down; reduce; cut down; trim down; trim back.
    • reduce your daily fat intake
    • The employer wants to cut back health benefits
  7. verb balance in flight by regulating the control surfaces
    trim.
    • trim an airplane
  8. verb be in equilibrium during a flight
    trim.
    • The airplane trimmed
  9. verb decorate (food), as with parsley or other ornamental foods
    trim; garnish; dress.
  10. verb cultivate, tend, and cut back the growth of
    trim; prune; clip; cut back; crop; snip; lop; dress.
    • dress the plants in the garden
  11. verb cut closely
    shave; trim.
    • trim my beard
  12. verb adjust (sails on a ship) so that the wind is optimally used
    trim.

WordNet

Trim"ming
Definitions
  1. a. from Trim, v.
    The Whigs are, essentially, an inefficient, trimming, halfway sort of a party. Jeffrey.
    Knight.
Trim"ming noun
Definitions
  1. The act of one who trims.
  2. That which serves to trim, make right or fitting, adjust, ornament, or the like; especially, the necessary or the ornamental appendages, as of a garment; hence, sometimes, the concomitants of a dish; a relish; -- usually in the plural as, We had a turkey dinner with all the trimmings. .
  3. The act of reprimanding or chastisting; as, to give a boy a trimming. Colloq.

Webster 1913