Trim
/trɪm/noun
To cut away unwanted material, make neat, or adjust something for proper balance or appearance.
Did you know?In nautical language, to trim a sail means to position it correctly for the wind—so “trim” became associated with balance, readiness, and controlled force.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*deru-
“To be firm, solid, or steadfast; the reconstructed root behind several Germanic words associated with strength and stability.”
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*trumaz
“Firm or strong.”
Old English
Old English
trymman
“To make firm, strengthen, establish, or put in order.”
Middle English
Middle English
trimmen
“To make firm or neat; later, to adorn or arrange.”
15th–16th Century
English
trim
“Neat, properly arranged, or dressed; also to decorate or cut into shape.”
Modern English
English
trim
“To cut, tidy, decorate, or adjust something to achieve the desired shape or balance.”