trimmer

IPA/ˈtrɪmə(r)/
KK[trˈɪmɚ]IPA/ˈtrɪmər/

trimmer — noun

  • trimmersingular
  • trimmersplural

1. a tool or machine that cuts away a small extra part so hair, grass, paper, or an

1.nounC1
Definition

a tool or machine that cuts away a small extra part so hair, grass, paper, or another edge looks neat and even.

Example

Nadia used a small trimmer to tidy the grass around the mailbox.

collocation: grass trimmer / tidy edges

Before the wedding, Omar borrowed a beard trimmer from his brother.

Common collocations
  • beard trimmer
  • hedge trimmer
  • paper trimmer
  • electric trimmer
Synonyms
  • clipper

    usually used for hair or animal fur rather than grass or paper

  • cutter

    broader word for a tool that cuts many different materials

Usage Note

Usually appears in compound nouns that name the thing being cut, such as 'beard trimmer', 'hedge trimmer', and 'paper trimmer'. It suggests light shaping or tidying rather than cutting the whole thing down.

Common Mistakes

We used a trimmer to cut the whole lawn.
We used a mower to cut the whole lawn.
a trimmer is mainly for edges or small areas, not the main open grass.

2. a small adjustable component on a circuit board that allows very slight changes

2.nounC2
Definition

a small adjustable component on a circuit board that allows very slight changes so equipment runs at the intended setting or frequency.

Example

The technician adjusted the trimmer until the radio signal sounded clear.

pattern: adjust the trimmer to tune the circuit

A small screwdriver is often needed to turn the trimmer on the board.

Common collocations
  • adjust a trimmer
  • turn the trimmer
  • circuit trimmer
  • trimmer capacitor

Usage Note

Mostly used in electronics repair, design, and service manuals. The part is often adjusted with a small screwdriver after the main circuit has already been built.

3. a supporting beam beside a framed opening that carries the end of another beam,

3.nounC2
Definition

a supporting beam beside a framed opening that carries the end of another beam, such as around a stairwell or chimney space.

Example

The builder measured the trimmer before cutting the opening for the stairs.

construction use: support beside a stair opening

One cracked trimmer had to be replaced during the attic repair.

Common collocations
  • roof trimmer
  • trimmer joist
  • replace a trimmer
  • header and trimmer
Synonyms
  • support beam

    broader term; a trimmer is one specific beam beside an opening

Usage Note

Used in carpentry and framing, especially when a floor or roof opening must be supported. It works with a header, so the two terms often appear together on building plans.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

'Trimmer' is a narrower tool word than 'cutter'. A 'clipper' is usually for hair or animal fur, while a 'mower' is for cutting a whole area of grass. A trimmer usually shapes edges, removes a small amount, or tidies a surface rather than cutting the main bulk.

trimmer ↗clipper ↗cutter ↗mower ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • beard trimmer
  • hedge trimmer
  • adjust the trimmer
  • replace a cracked trimmer
  • nail the header to the trimmer

Etymology

English

Built in English from the verb 'trim' and the ending '-er', first naming a person or tool that trims and later extending to technical uses in electronics and construction.

First known use

1555

1555, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)