rim

IPA/rɪm/
KK[rˈɪm]IPA/rɪm/

rim — noun

  • rimsingular
  • rimsplural

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

1.nounB1
Definition

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

Example

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

Common collocations
  • rim of a cup
  • rim of a glass
  • rim of a bowl
  • cracked rim
  • gold rim
  • chipped rim
  • broken rim
  • canyon rim
Synonyms
  • 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

Antonyms
  • bottom

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

Usage Note

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'.

Common Mistakes

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.nounB1
Definition

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

Example

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

Common collocations
  • alloy rims
  • chrome rims
  • steel rims
  • bent rim
  • cracked rim
  • rim size
  • rim width
  • wheel rim
  • car rim
Synonyms
  • 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

Usage Note

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.

Common Mistakes

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

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Rim, brim, lip, edge, and border all refer to the outermost boundary of something, but they differ in shape and typical use. 'Rim' strongly suggests a circular or curved boundary — the rim of a cup, a wheel, or a canyon. 'Brim' is specifically the topmost edge of a container that holds liquid (the brim of a glass or hat), and it often implies fullness ('filled to the brim'). 'Lip' is narrower, pointing to the very tip of the rim that your mouth touches when drinking from a cup. 'Edge' is the most general term and works for any boundary, straight or curved (the edge of the table, the edge of the cliff). 'Border' usually refers to a line separating two regions or areas (the border between two countries, or a floral border around a garden). For a learner: use 'rim' when you want to stress the circular shape; use 'edge' when shape does not matter. For example, 'She set the cup on the edge of the table' (any part of the boundary) versus 'She sipped from the rim of the cup' (specifically the circular top).

brim ↗edge ↗lip ↗border ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

  • cracked rim
  • bent rim
  • broken rim
  • metal rim
  • glass rim
  • gold rim
  • silver rim

Phrases

  • rim to rim
  • rim of the world
  • rim of the crater

Prepositions

  • around the rim
  • on the rim
  • over the rim
  • along the rim

Etymology

Old EnglishMiddle EnglishEnglish

The word 'rim' first appeared in English around the 1200s, coming from the Old English word 'rima', which meant 'edge' or 'border'. It is related to the Old Norse word 'rimi', which referred to a strip or ridge of land. The meaning of a circular edge around a container developed early on, and the wheel-specific sense ('the metal frame that holds the tyre') emerged later with the rise of wheeled vehicles. The verb forms followed naturally — first 'to put a rim on something', then, in basketball, 'to roll around the rim of the hoop'.