brim
UK[brɪm]US[brɪm]
n
The top edge of a container, especially a cup or bowl.
n
The projecting edge of a hat.
v
To be full to the point of overflowing.
Etymology
The word 'brim' emerged in Middle English (as 'brymme' or 'brem'), with its origins obscure but likely connected to Old Norse or other Germanic languages. Its earliest recorded meanings relate to the edge or border of the sea or a river, a sense of 'shore' or 'bank'. Over time, this core concept of an outer edge or margin was metaphorically transferred to the upper edge of vessels and headwear. The verb sense, meaning to be full to the very edge, logically developed from the noun, completing the word's semantic journey from a geographical boundary to a common descriptor of capacity.
Analysis
The word 'brim' is a simplex word of uncertain but likely Germanic origin. It is not productively formed from smaller, recognizable morphemes in modern English.
Examples
The teacup was filled to the brim with hot Earl Grey.
He pulled the brim of his baseball cap down to shade his eyes.
Her eyes were brimming with tears as she listened to the moving speech.