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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Rim Definition, Usage & Key Examples Explained (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：edge of a container (rim)

rim 🔊

/rɪm/

The top edge of a round thing like a bowl or glass.

Rim definition illustrated by a close-up of eyeglasses with a thin gold metal rim.

edge of a container 🔊

➕

/ɛdʒ əv ə kənˈteɪnər/

The outer, often circular, top edge or border of an object, typically a hollow one like a bowl, cup, or glass.

📁 Category：Objects & Materials 🔖 Level：Elementary

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Middle English "rim, rime", related to Old English "rima" meaning "edge, border".

💡 Mnemonic

RIM sounds like REAM, imagine reaming out the very EDGE.

📖 Example

She carefully cleaned the rims of her glasses with a soft cloth. 🔊 She carefully cleaned the edges of her glasses with a soft cloth.

🔗 Collocations

on the rim – positioned at the edge

chrome rim – a shiny metal edge, especially on a vehicle wheel

rim of the volcano – the circular edge at the top of a volcano's crater

🔄 Synonyms

brim (n.) – The top edge of a container, especially for holding liquid.

edge (n.) – The outside limit of an object, area, or surface.

perimeter (n.) – The outer boundary of an area or object.

🚫 Antonyms

center (n.) – The middle point or part of something.

🌱 Derivatives

rimless (adj.) – Lacking a rim or border.

📖 Cultural Story

The word 'rim' shares a common Germanic origin with words for 'edge' or 'border'. Historically, it described the edge of a shield or a wheel. In modern times, its most iconic cultural application is in basketball, where 'hitting the rim' is a crucial and dramatic part of the game.

Meaning 2：hoop's metal ring (rim)

rim 🔊

/rɪm/

The metal ring of a basketball hoop that the ball goes through.

Basketball rim action shot showing the ball about to hit the orange hoop.

hoop's metal ring 🔊

➕

/huːps ˈmɛtl rɪŋ/

The circular metal band of a basketball hoop through which the ball must pass to score.

📁 Category：Entertainment & Sports 🔖 Level：Elementary

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

The basketball hit the rim and bounced out, costing them the game. 🔊 The basketball hit the metal ring of the hoop and bounced out, costing them the game.

🔗 Collocations

rim shot – a shot that hits the rim of the basketball hoop

rim protector – a defensive player who blocks shots near the basket

rim the hoop – to hit the rim of the basketball hoop

🔄 Synonyms

hoop (n.) – Informal term for the basketball rim and net assembly.

ring (n.) – A circular band, often used synonymously with 'rim' in this context.

basket (n.) – The goal in basketball, comprising the rim and net.

🚫 Antonyms

swish (n.) – A shot that goes through the net without touching the rim.

🌱 Derivatives

rim-rattling (adj.) – Describing a powerful dunk that shakes the basketball rim.