Definition

1. Noun:

   • The top edge of a container: The outer or upper edge of something, especially a vessel or circular object.
   • A projecting edge or border: A raised or reinforced edge used for strength, attachment, or definition.
   • The outer part of a wheel: The circular metal or wooden part of a wheel, onto which the tire is mounted.
   • The hoop in basketball: The circular metal ring from which the net is suspended, forming the goal.

2. Verb:

   • To form or act as an edge around something: To provide something with a rim or to be positioned around the edge.
   • To roll or move around the edge: (Of a ball) to roll around the edge of a container or goal without falling in or out.
   • To be lined or bordered with something: To have a substance form a line or border around the edge.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • She filled the glass to the very rim. (The glass was filled up to its top edge.)
  • The bicycle's rim was bent in the accident. (The outer metal part of the wheel was damaged.)
  • The basketball hit the rim and bounced away. (The ball struck the metal hoop of the basket.)

• Verb:

  • The artisan will rim the ceramic bowl with a gold glaze. (The craftsman will apply a border of gold to the bowl's edge.)
  • The putt rimmed the cup but didn't fall in. (The golf ball rolled around the edge of the hole.)
  • Salt rimmed the margarita glass. (A line of salt formed the border of the glass.)

Advanced Usage

• "On the rim of": At the edge or verge of something, often something abstract.
  • The country was on the rim of an economic crisis. (The country was at the very edge of a crisis.)

Variants and Related Words

• Rimless (adj): Lacking a rim or frame.
  • She prefers rimless eyeglasses for a minimalist look.
• Rimmed (adj): Having a rim or border of a specified kind.
  • He served soup in wide-rimmed bowls.

Synonyms

• Brim: The top edge of a container (especially for liquids).
• Lip: The edge of a hollow container or opening.
• Border: The outer part or edge of something.
• Flange: A projecting flat rim used for strengthening or attachment (more technical).

Related Phrasal Verbs/Constructions

• Rim out (sports): (Of a ball) to touch the rim of a goal or hole and fail to go in.
  • The shot looked good but it rimmed out at the last second.

Related Idioms

• The golden rim: (Poetic/literary) A crown or diadem.
  • The queen's head was adorned with a golden rim.

Noun

1. the top edge of a vessel or other container
2. a projection used for strength or for attaching to another object
3. the outer part of a wheel to which the tire is attached
4. (basketball) the hoop from which the net is suspended
   • the ball hit the rim and bounced off
5. the shape of a raised edge of a more or less circular object

Verb

1. roll around the rim of
   • the ball rimmed the basket
2. furnish with a rim
   • rim a hat
3. run around the rim of
   • Sugar rimmed the dessert plate