Rim: meaning, definitions and examples

🔘

Add to dictionary

rim

[rɪm ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

ancient

The circular outer edge of a wheel for holding the tyre.

Synonyms

border, brim, edge, perimeter.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
rim	Rim is typically applied to the outer part of circular or curved objects like wheels, glasses, or bowls. She carefully traced the rim of the drinking glass with her finger. The bike's rim was bent after the accident.
edge	Edge refers to the boundary line or the outermost part of an object, which can be straight or curved. It's a general term that can apply to a variety of contexts, from tables to cliffs. Be careful standing so close to the edge of the cliff. He placed the book at the edge of the desk.
border	Border refers to the dividing line or area between two regions, countries, or surfaces. It can also mean the edge of an area such as a garden or a fabric. The country tightened security at the border. She added a decorative border around the edge of the tablecloth.
perimeter	Perimeter usually refers to the continuous line forming the boundary of a closed geometric figure or area. It's commonly used in more technical or formal contexts like mathematics or security. The soldiers were instructed to secure the perimeter of the base. Calculate the perimeter of the rectangle by adding up all the sides.
brim	Brim is often used to describe the edge of a container, especially when it is full or nearly full. It can also refer to the projecting edge of a hat. The cup was filled to the brim with coffee. She tilted the brim of her hat to block the sun.

Examples of usage

The rim of the bicycle wheel was damaged.
She held onto the rim of the steering wheel tightly.
He painted the rims of his car wheels black.
The rim of the glass was decorated with gold.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

basketball

The metal hoop from which the net is suspended and through which the ball must pass in order for a goal to be scored.

Synonyms

hoop, ring.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
rim	This is a duplication and can be omitted or referred to the same context and examples as the first 'rim'. Refer to the first 'rim' entry.
hoop	This word is often used in the context of sports, particularly basketball, to describe the circular frame or the goal. It can also describe circular bands used in various crafts or activities. He made a perfect shot through the hoop. She used wooden hoops to create her embroidery frames.
ring	This word is used to describe a circular piece of jewelry worn on fingers or any circular band or structure. It can also refer to a circular sound, like when a telephone rings. She wore a beautiful diamond ring. I heard the ring of the doorbell.

Word

Description / Examples

rim

This is a duplication and can be omitted or referred to the same context and examples as the first 'rim'.

Refer to the first 'rim' entry.

hoop

This word is often used in the context of sports, particularly basketball, to describe the circular frame or the goal. It can also describe circular bands used in various crafts or activities.

He made a perfect shot through the hoop.
She used wooden hoops to create her embroidery frames.

ring

This word is used to describe a circular piece of jewelry worn on fingers or any circular band or structure. It can also refer to a circular sound, like when a telephone rings.

She wore a beautiful diamond ring.
I heard the ring of the doorbell.

Examples of usage

He scored a three-pointer from beyond the rim.
The ball bounced off the rim and went out of bounds.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

informal

To provide (a wheel) with a new tire.

Synonyms

equip, tire.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
rim	Use this word when referring to the outer circular edge of something, often related to wheels, containers, glasses, or even geographical features like craters. It's the boundary or edge around an object. He polished the rim of the antique vase. The rim of the wheel was slightly bent.
tire	Use 'tire' when referring to the rubber covering around a wheel. It can also mean to exhaust or fatigue someone. The context should clarify whether it's about the car part or experiencing fatigue. The car needs new tires. The long journey tired the children.
equip	This word means to provide someone or something with necessary tools, supplies, or skills for a particular purpose. It's often used in contexts related to preparing for an activity or task. They equipped the hikers with maps and water bottles. The school is equipped with modern technology.

Word

Description / Examples

rim

Use this word when referring to the outer circular edge of something, often related to wheels, containers, glasses, or even geographical features like craters. It's the boundary or edge around an object.

He polished the rim of the antique vase.
The rim of the wheel was slightly bent.

tire

Use 'tire' when referring to the rubber covering around a wheel. It can also mean to exhaust or fatigue someone. The context should clarify whether it's about the car part or experiencing fatigue.

The car needs new tires.
The long journey tired the children.

equip

This word means to provide someone or something with necessary tools, supplies, or skills for a particular purpose. It's often used in contexts related to preparing for an activity or task.

They equipped the hikers with maps and water bottles.
The school is equipped with modern technology.

Examples of usage

I need to rim my bike before the race.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Middle English 'rim', which relates to the edge of a circular object.
It can be traced back to Old Norse 'rim', meaning edge or border.
It has been used in English since the early 14th century, indicating its long history in the language.

Science

In physics, the rim of a wheel plays a crucial role in its rotation and stability.
The design and material of a rim can significantly impact the performance of vehicles, especially in sports cars.
In astronomy, the rim of a crater on the moon serves as evidence of its impact history.

Art

Rims are often used in pottery, with artists creating various shapes and styles at the edges to enhance visual appeal.
In photography, the 'rim light' technique highlights the edges of a subject to create depth and contrast.
Many artists incorporate the concept of 'rim' into their artworks, symbolizing boundaries or limits.

Pop Culture

Rims are a popular feature in car culture, with custom designs often showcased in movies and music videos.
In sports, the term also refers to the circular edge of a basketball hoop, central to the game.
The phrase 'rim shot' in music is used to describe a technique that adds emphasis during performances, often creating a dramatic effect.

Psychology

The concept of 'rim' can be tied to boundaries in psychological terms, which symbolize personal space or limits.
Research shows that people have varying perceptions of personal 'rims' in social situations, influencing interactions.
In visual perception, the 'rim' effect is important for understanding how we identify shapes and edges in our environment.

Translations

Translations of the word "rim" in other languages:

🇵🇹 aro

jante
borda

🇮🇳 रिम

किनारा
पहिया

🇩🇪 Felge

🇮🇩 pelek

🇺🇦 обод

край
диск

🇵🇱 obręcz

brzeg
krawędź

🇯🇵 リム (rimu)

🇫🇷 jante

bord
cerclage

🇪🇸 aro

borde
llanta

🇹🇷 jant

kenar
çerçeve

🇰🇷 림 (rim)

🇸🇦 حافة (hafat)

🇨🇿 ráfek

okraj
lem

🇸🇰 ráfik

okraj
lem

🇨🇳 轮辋 (lún wǎng)

🇸🇮 platišče

rob
obod

🇮🇸 felga

🇰🇿 дөңгелек жиегі

🇬🇪 ბორბალი

🇦🇿 çərçivə

kənar
təkər

🇲🇽 aro

borde
llanta

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,450 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

...
6447 refund
6448 passions
6449 duplicate
6450 rim
6451 sailing
6452 triangle
6453 possessing
...