WordGarden.iobrim
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /brˈɪm/
US
- /ˈbrɪm/
Meanings
Noun
the upper edge or rim of a cup, bowl, or other container
the projecting edge around a hat
Verb
to be full to the top, almost overflowing
to be full of a feeling or quality
Beyond the definition
The brim of a hat is the part that sticks out around your face, shielding you from the sun. But "brim" isn't just about hats. It also refers to the upper edge of a container--like the brim of a glass filled right to its limit. If someone is "full to the brim," they are completely filled with emotion, whether it is joy, worry, or excitement. Imagine a cup brimming with tea; it looks ready to spill over.
The word comes from Old English and originally meant "border" or "edge." Today, it often suggests abundance and a strong sense of boundary. You might say a forest is "brimming with wildlife," meaning it's overflowing with animals, or a politician's speech was "brimming with promises."
The word "brim" has a versatile range of meanings, all revolving around the idea of an edge, a limit, or absolute fullness. Most people immediately think of the brim of a hat--that projecting edge designed to shade your eyes and face. It's what gives a fedora its distinctive shape and helps keep rain off a wide-brimmed straw hat.
However, "brim" extends far beyond headwear. It refers to the upper edge of any container: "She filled the glass to the brim with sparkling cider," meaning filled it to the very top. This sense of abundance is key; you can also say someone is "full to the brim" with emotion, meaning they feel emotions like joy, grief, or gratitude so intensely that they are almost overflowing. The phrase "eyes brimming with tears" paints a vivid picture of feelings reaching a physical limit.
Figuratively, "brim" can describe a wealth of potential or activity. To say "the artist's mind was brimming with inspiration" suggests a creative energy so vast it is ready to be unleashed. Historically, "brim" also described the outer edge of a cliff or a steep river bank. While less common today, this origin reinforces the idea of a clear boundary.
Whether it's shielding you from the glare of the sun, holding a liquid at its limit, or describing a heart full of hope, "brim" always suggests richness right at the edge of something.
Examples
- 1
Hat part
He pulled his hat down so the brim shaded his eyes.
- 2
Full container
She filled the glass to the brim and carried it carefully.
- Phraseto the brim
completely full
- 3
Tears
Her eyes brimmed with tears when she saw her son on stage.
- Patternbrim with + emotion/liquid
become full of it
- 4
Market abundance
The market stall was brimming with fresh fruit and flowers.
- Patternbe brimming with + things
be full of many of them
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- brimnounverb
Forms
- brimming-ing formverbnoun
- brimmedpast tenseverbnoun
- brimspluralnounverb