trimming

English

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈtɹɪmɪŋ/

Noun

trimming (plural trimmings)

1. The act of someone who trims.

   I gave a good trimming to my elderly neighbour's hedges.

2. Material that is removed by someone trimming something, as a piece of steak.

   He gave the trimmings to the dog under the kitchen table.

3. (now historical) An ornamental accessory to a dress or other piece of clothing.
   • 1782, Frances Burney, Cecilia, I.i.5:

     “You must know I commissioned a particular friend of mine, Miss Moffat, to buy me a trimming when she went to Paris […].”

4. An accessory or accompaniment.

   Christmas dinner with all the trimmings

5. (colloquial, dated) A reprimand or chastising.

   to give a boy a trimming

Verb

trimming

1. present participle of trim

   I am helping my elderly neighbour by trimming his hedge.