# trim

> English word · Verb · IPA /tɹɪm/ · frequency rank #8,499

## Definitions
1. To reduce slightly; to cut; especially, to remove excess.
2. To decorate or adorn; especially of a Christmas tree.
3. To adjust the positions of control surfaces, sometimes using trim tabs, so as to modify or eliminate the aircraft's tendency to pitch, roll, or yaw when the cockpit controls are released.
4. To modify the angle relative to the water by shifting cargo or ballast; to adjust for sailing; to assume, or cause to assume a certain position, or trim, in the water.
5. To modify the angle (of the sails) relative to the wind, especially to set them at the most advantageous angle.
6. To balance; to fluctuate between parties, so as to appear to favour each.
7. To make trim; to put in due order for any purpose; to make right, neat, or pleasing; to adjust.
8. To dress; to make smooth.
9. To rebuke; to reprove.
10. To beat or thrash.
11. To cut back the wick of (a lamp) to maintain a clean, bright flame.
12. To change the carbon rods of (an arc lamp).

## Etymology
From Middle English trimen, trymen, trümen, from Old English trymman (“to make firm; strengthen”), from Proto-West Germanic *trummjan, from Proto-Germanic *trumjaną (“to make fast; strengthen”), from Proto-Germanic *trumaz (“firm; strong; sound”).

## Easily confused with
- **try** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/trim-vs-try)
- **tum** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/trim-vs-tum)
- **tru** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/trim-vs-tru)
- **TRP** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/trim-vs-trp)
- **tui** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/trim-vs-tui)
- **TSM** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/trim-vs-tsm)
- **true** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/trim-vs-true)
- **trip** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/trim-vs-trip)
- **twin** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/trim-vs-twin)
- **Troy** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/trim-vs-troy)
- **trio** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/trim-vs-trio)
- **trot** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/trim-vs-trot)
- **tris** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/trim-vs-tris)
- **twig** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/trim-vs-twig)
- **twit** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/trim-vs-twit)
- **TTIP** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/trim-vs-ttip)
- **trump** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/trim-vs-trump)
- **trips** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/trim-vs-trips)
- **Turin** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/trim-vs-turin)
- **Trish** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/trim-vs-trish)

## Common misspellings (6)
`rtim`, `tirm`, `trimm`, `trmi`, `trrim`, `ttrim`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/trim