Word
rim
US/ˈɹɪm/
UK/ɹˈɪm/
Definitions
01outer edge
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. the outer edge of a round object, like a cup, bowl, or plate.
n. the outer edge or border of an object, typically one that is circular or curved.
“She wiped a small smudge of lipstick off the rim of her coffee cup.”
“The archaeologist carefully brushed the dirt away from the rim of the ancient clay vessel, revealing a delicate pattern of etched lines.”
02wheel part
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. the outer metal circle of a wheel that the tire is attached to.
n. the outer circular metal part of a wheel on which the tyre is mounted.
“He spent the whole afternoon cleaning the chrome rims of his new car.”
“The impact with the deep pothole was severe enough to dent the alloy rim, causing the tyre to lose pressure immediately.”
Usage
Often used in the plural when referring to decorative car wheels.
Antonyms
03to border
C1 · Advanced Literary
v. to form an edge or border around something.
v. to serve as a rim or border for something; to surround the edge of an object.
“Dark clouds rimmed with gold appeared on the horizon as the sun set.”
“The valley was rimmed by jagged limestone peaks that remained snow-capped even during the height of the summer months.”
Usage
Often used in the passive voice or as a participial adjective.
04sexual act
C2 · Proficiency Slang · Vulgar
v. to perform a specific sexual act involving the mouth and the partner's bottom.
v. to perform anilingus on a partner.
“He asked his partner if they were comfortable with rimming during sex.”
“The adult film industry often uses explicit terminology like rimming to describe specific scenes in their marketing materials.”
Usage
Transitive verb.
Teaching tip
This is a highly explicit term; learners should be aware of its vulgarity and avoid it in all but the most intimate or informal contexts.
Real-World Examples
“The basic idea is similar to running a wet finger around the rim of a wine glass.” “That ball was coming off the rim too hard.” - Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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