trim

verb (trims, trimming, trimmed)

• 1make (something) neat or of the required size or form by cutting away irregular or unwanted parts:trim the grass using a sharp mower
• cut off (irregular or unwanted parts):he was trimming the fat off some pork chops
• reduce the size, amount, or number of (something, typically expenditure or costs):Congress had to decide which current defense programs should be trimmed
• [no object] (trim down) (of a person) lose weight; become slimmer:he works on trimming down and eating right
• firm up or lose weight from (a part of one’s body).

• 2 (usually be trimmed) decorate (something), typically with contrasting items or pieces of material:a pair of black leather gloves trimmed with fake fur

• 3adjust (sails) to take best advantage of the wind.
• adjust the forward and after drafts of (a vessel) by changing the distribution of weight on board, especially cargo and ballast.
• keep or adjust the degree to which (an aircraft) can be maintained at a constant altitude without any control forces being present.
• [no object] adapt one’s views to the prevailing political trends for personal advancement.

• 4 informal dated get the better of (someone), typically by cheating them out of money.

• 5 informal dated rebuke (someone) angrily.

noun

• 1additional decoration, typically along the edges of something and in contrasting color or material:suede sandals with gold trim we painted the buildings off-white with a blue trim
• decorative additions to a vehicle, typically the upholstery or interior lining of a car.

• 2 [in singular] an act of cutting off part of something in order to neaten it:his hair needs a trim
• a short piece of film cut out during the final editing stage.

• 3the state of being in good order or condition:no one had been there for months—everything was out of trim

• 4the degree to which an aircraft can be maintained at a constant altitude without any control forces being present:the pilot’s only problem was the need to constantly readjust the trim

• 5the difference between a vessel’s forward and after drafts, especially as it affects its navigability.

adjective (trimmer, trimmest)

• neat and smart in appearance; in good order:she kept her husband’s clothes neat and trim a trim little villa
• (of a person or their body) slim and fit:she has a trim, athletic figure