trimmer
trimmer Lexical Profile
trimmer Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A mechanical or handheld tool used for cutting, clipping, or edging hair, plants, paper, or other materials neatly.
"She used an electric hedge trimmer to shape the overgrown boxwood shrubs along the front walkway."
A worker whose occupation is to trim, finish, or decorate materials, such as a garment finisher, window dresser, or automobile upholsterer.
"The skilled trimmer carefully fitted the leather upholstery inside the vintage convertible."
In building construction, a transverse timber or joist framed across an opening in a floor or roof, such as around a hearth, chimney, or stairway, to support the ends of interrupted joists.
"The carpenter installed a heavy oak trimmer around the stairwell opening to bear the load of the shortened floor joists."
A person who modifies their political opinions or allegiances between opposing factions to suit prevailing circumstances or personal advantage.
"Critics dismissed the senator as a political trimmer who shifted his stance whenever public polling changed."
• adjective
More neat, tidy, or slender in appearance, physical build, or order.
"After several months of daily cycling and balanced meals, he looked noticeably trimmer and more energetic."
• Rhymes for trimmer
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed in English from the verb and adjective 'trim' (from Old English 'trymman', meaning to strengthen, arrange, or make ready) combined with the suffix '-er'. The political sense of an opportunist derives from the nautical metaphor of trimming a ship's sails or cargo to keep balance as the wind shifts.