rim

/rɪm/ (bre, ipa) · /rɪm/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈrim/ (ame, mw)

rim — noun

  • rimsingular
  • rimsplural

1. the raised or curved line where the top or outer surface of an object meets its

1.名詞B1
釋義

the raised or curved line where the top or outer surface of an object meets its side, especially on a round object such as a cup, bowl, glass, or plate

例句

The hot tea left a brown stain along the rim of Mei-Lin's favourite mug.

collocation: rim of + container

Priya wiped the condensation off the rim of her water glass before taking a sip.

collocation: rim of a glass

同義詞
  • brim

    used specifically for the top edge of a container holding liquid, like a cup or bowl

  • edge

    more general term for any boundary line; less specific about circular shape

  • lip

    the very topmost edge of a container, often the part that touches the mouth when drinking

反義詞
  • bottom

    the lowest part or surface of an object, opposite of the top rim

用法筆記

Often used with 'of' to specify the object: 'the rim of [something]'. Also common as a compound modifier before another noun, e.g. 'rim crack', 'rim edge'.

常見錯誤

The edge of the cup was chipped.' (vague when a circular rim is intended)
The rim of the cup was chipped.
💡for round/circular openings, 'rim' is more precise than 'edge'.

2. the metal or hard plastic circular frame at the centre of a tyre, which attaches

2.名詞B1
釋義

the metal or hard plastic circular frame at the centre of a tyre, which attaches the tyre to the vehicle and is held in place by the wheel's spokes or solid centre

例句

The delivery driver replaced a bent rim on his truck after hitting a deep pothole.

collocation: bent rim

Anika polished the chrome rims of her bicycle until they shone in the late afternoon sun.

collocation: chrome rims

同義詞
  • wheel

    often used interchangeably in casual talk, though 'wheel' technically includes rim, spokes, and hub together

  • alloy

    specifically a rim made from a metal mixture of aluminium or magnesium, common in performance vehicles

用法筆記

In everyday speech, 'wheel' sometimes substitutes for 'rim' (e.g. 'I need new wheels'), but in technical or repair contexts, 'rim' refers specifically to the outer ring, not the complete wheel assembly with tyre.

常見錯誤

I bought new rims for my car.' (correct but ambiguous — could mean the whole wheel)
I bought new alloy rims for my car.
💡clarifies you mean the metal outer part, not the complete wheel.

rim — verb