Trim: meaning, definitions and examples

This word is used when you want to make something tidy or even by cutting unwanted parts away. It is often used for hair, fabric, and hedges.

• I need to trim the hedge
• She went to the salon to trim her hair

Cut is a general term used for separating something using a sharp instrument. It can refer to a variety of contexts including cutting paper, cutting vegetables, or cutting fabric.

• Cut the paper along the dotted line
• She cut the vegetables for the salad

This word is mostly used in gardening when you need to cut away dead or overgrown branches or stems to encourage growth.

• It's time to prune the rose bushes
• I need to prune the tree to keep it healthy

Clip is often used when referring to quickly removing small parts using scissors or similar tools. It is also used for nails or coupons.

• I need to clip my nails
• Don't forget to clip the coupon before you go shopping

Shave is used specifically in the context of removing hair from the body, typically with a razor.

• He needs to shave his beard
• She shaved her legs this morning

Refers to the act of cutting something to make it neat or the state of being in good condition, often used in physical fitness or haircuts.

• He needs to trim his hair before the wedding.
• She runs every day to stay in trim.

Used to describe items or designs that are added to enhance the appearance of a space or object, usually temporary or for a specific occasion.

• We put up Halloween decorations around the house.
• The cake had beautiful decorations on top.

Refers to an item used primarily for decoration, often implying something small and detailed. Commonly used in holiday contexts.

• She collected Christmas ornaments.
• The statue was covered with intricate ornaments.

Refers to a narrow border around something, often used in gardening, clothing, or construction.

• Garden beds can be outlined with stone edging.
• He stitched a matching edging around the scarf.

Refers to a line that separates two areas. Often used in geographical, artistic, or design contexts.

• The painting had a gold border.
• They live near the border between the USA and Canada.