Trimming Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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trimming

[ˈtrɪmɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

hairdressing

The action of cutting off the outer parts of something to improve its appearance. In hairdressing, trimming refers to cutting the ends of hair to maintain a neat and tidy look.

Synonyms

clipping, cutting, pruning.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
trimming

Commonly used when referring to making something tidy or reducing size slightly. It's often used in the context of hair, plants, or small adjustments to objects.

  • She spent the afternoon trimming the hedges in her garden.
  • He got a haircut and just needed a slight trimming.
cutting

A more general term that can be used in various contexts, including making something shorter using a sharp tool. It can apply to hair, food, and many other materials.

  • She is cutting the vegetables for dinner.
  • He was cutting pieces of the fabric for his project.
pruning

Specifically used for gardening, pruning refers to cutting away dead or overgrown branches or stems to promote healthy growth.

  • The gardener is pruning the rose bushes to help them grow better.
  • She spent the weekend pruning the apple trees.
clipping

Often used for cutting small pieces or sections from something larger. It is frequently used with nails, hair, or news articles.

  • She was busy clipping coupons from the newspaper.
  • He needs to clip his nails before the meeting.

Examples of usage

  • She went to the salon for a quick trimming of her split ends.
  • The barber offered a complimentary trimming after the haircut.
Context #2 | Verb

general

To make something neat or of the required size or form by cutting away irregular or unwanted parts. Trimming can also refer to reducing the size or amount of something.

Synonyms

clip, cut, prune.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
trimming

Typically used when referring to making something neat by cutting away unnecessary parts. Often used in the context of hair, hedges, or fabric.

  • She spent the afternoon trimming the hedges in her garden
  • The tailor did an excellent job trimming the dress
prune

Mainly used in gardening or agriculture to mean cutting away dead or overgrown branches or stems to encourage growth.

  • It's important to prune the roses in early spring
  • He pruned the apple tree to ensure it would bear more fruit
cut

A general term that can be used in various contexts, from cutting a piece of paper to cutting hair. It doesn't specifically imply neatness.

  • He cut the paper into small pieces for the project
  • She cut her finger while cooking
clip

Often used when cutting small parts off something, like nails or a piece of paper. Also, used when referring to making something shorter.

  • I need to clip my nails before the meeting
  • Could you clip a few inches off my hair?

Examples of usage

  • She spent the afternoon trimming the bushes in her garden.
  • The chef was trimming the excess fat off the meat before cooking it.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Culture

  • In Japan, trimming bonsai trees is an art form, aiming to create miniature trees that reflect the beauty of nature.
  • In interior design, 'trimming' is not just about cutting but also about adding decorative details like moldings and wainscoting.
  • During the holiday season, trimming the tree with ornaments is a beloved family tradition in many cultures.

Science

  • In biology, trimming can refer to removing excess tissues or cells during experiments to study specific parts of organisms.
  • Trees and plants benefit from trimming to promote healthier growth, as it allows sunlight to reach more of the plant.
  • Ecologists often trim invasive plant species to protect native ecosystems.

Literature

  • The concept of trimming is often used in poetry to describe the act of refining language and removing unnecessary words for clarity.
  • In storytelling, characters often undergo 'trimming', or personal change, as they learn and develop throughout the narrative.
  • Classic literature often portrays protagonists who must 'trim' their desires or ambitions to find true happiness.

Fashion

  • Trimming in fashion refers to the embellishments added to garments, like lace, ribbons, or beads, which enhance visual appeal.
  • Each season’s fashion trends may influence how much trimming is done on clothing, reflecting what is stylish and in vogue.
  • Tailors often practice precise trimming techniques to ensure garments fit perfectly and look sharp.

Origin of 'trimming'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'trimman,' meaning to make neat or orderly.
  • In the 16th century, it was often associated with the decoration of clothing and hairstyles, focusing on aesthetics.
  • Originally, it referred specifically to cutting plants, showing a connection to gardening from centuries ago.

The word 'trimming' originated from the Middle English word 'trimmen', which means to make neat or fine by cutting away the irregular parts. Over time, it evolved to encompass various contexts such as hairdressing, gardening, and general maintenance. The concept of trimming has been prevalent in human activities for centuries, reflecting the desire for order, neatness, and aesthetics.


See also: trim, trimmer, trimmers, trimmings, trimness.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,547, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.