Brim: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe the upper edge of a container, especially when it is filled to the top. It can also refer to the upper edge of a hat.

• The glass was filled to the brim with water.
• He tipped his hat by the brim.

Used to describe the outermost boundary of a surface or area, often implying a sharp boundary in physical or metaphorical contexts.

• The edge of the table was rough.
• She was on the edge of tears.

Used to describe the outer boundary of a rounded object, such as a wheel or a circular container.

• The basketball bounced off the rim.
• The pot had a decorative rim.

Generally used to describe the edge of a hollow or curved object, such as a cup or a wound. 'Lip' can also refer to the fleshy part around the mouth.

• She took a sip from the lip of the cup.
• The wound's lip was swollen.

Note: Duplicate of the previous word. The same context and examples apply.

• The cup was filled to the brim with coffee
• Her eyes were brimming with tears

Describes a state of being filled, often related to feelings or health.

• She felt a sense of fullness after the large meal
• The fullness of the garden was breathtaking

Used when something exceeds its limits and spills over. Often implies abundance and can have a slightly chaotic or uncontrolled connotation.

• The river was overflowing after the heavy rain
• Her heart was overflowing with joy

Refers to the maximum amount something can hold. Often used in technical, scientific, or formal contexts.

• The tank has a capacity of 100 liters
• The room's capacity is 50 people

Used to describe something that is filled to the very top edge, often creating the impression that it might spill over. It can be used both literally and metaphorically.

• The cup was filled to the brim with hot coffee.
• Her eyes were brimming with tears of joy.

Used to describe the act of making something full or to occupy available space. It is the most general term and can be applied in a wide range of scenarios.

• Please fill the glass with water.
• He filled the entire form with his information.

Used when a container or space holds more content than it can usually accommodate, causing the excess to spill over. Can be both literal and metaphorical.

• The bathtub overflowed, causing water to spill onto the floor.
• She felt an overflow of emotions after hearing the good news.

Typically used to describe a large volume of water overflowing onto usually dry land. It can be metaphorically used to describe being overwhelmed by a large quantity of something. Often carries a negative connotation.

• The river flood inundated the entire village.
• The inbox was flooded with emails after the announcement.