line trimmer: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Everyday, technical (gardening/landscaping).
Quick answer
What does “line trimmer” mean?
A garden tool with a rapidly spinning nylon cord or blade used for cutting grass and weeds in areas where a lawnmower cannot reach, typically around trees, fences, or edges.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A garden tool with a rapidly spinning nylon cord or blade used for cutting grass and weeds in areas where a lawnmower cannot reach, typically around trees, fences, or edges.
A device for precision trimming; metaphorically, something or someone that refines or defines boundaries in a precise manner.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term 'line trimmer' is common in British English. In American English, 'string trimmer' is the dominant, more frequent term. 'Weed whacker', 'weed eater', and 'whipper snipper' (the latter primarily in Australia/Canada) are common informal synonyms in North America.
Connotations
Both terms are neutral and functional. 'String trimmer' may sound slightly more technical or standard in US contexts, while 'line trimmer' is the standard descriptive term in the UK.
Frequency
In the UK, 'line trimmer' is the standard retail and conversational term. In the US, 'string trimmer' is most common in formal/retail contexts, with 'weed whacker' being a widespread genericized trademark (from Weed Eater brand).
Grammar
How to Use “line trimmer” in a Sentence
[Subject] uses a line trimmer to [verb] around [object].The [adjective] line trimmer made quick work of the [noun].[Subject] spent the morning [verb+ing] with the line trimmer.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “line trimmer” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- I need to line-trim the edges of the lawn before the weekend.
- He's out line-trimming around the patio.
American English
- I need to string-trim the edges of the lawn before the weekend.
- He's out weed-whacking around the patio.
adjective
British English
- The line-trimmer attachment fits most standard power units.
- We offer a line-trimmer service for difficult borders.
American English
- The string-trimmer attachment fits most standard power units.
- We offer a weed-whacking service for difficult borders.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Retail product descriptions, landscaping service equipment lists.
Academic
Rare; may appear in texts on horticultural technology or ergonomic studies.
Everyday
Discussing garden maintenance, home improvement tasks, or shopping for tools.
Technical
Manuals, specifications discussing power source (electric/petrol/battery), cutting swath, line feed mechanisms (bump feed, automatic).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “line trimmer”
- Confusing 'line trimmer' with 'hedge trimmer' (a different tool for cutting shrubs).
- Saying 'wire trimmer' (incorrect, as it uses nylon line, not wire).
- Using plural 'lines trimmers' instead of 'line trimmers'.
- Misspelling as 'linetrimmer' (should be two words or hyphenated: line-trimmer).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'Strimmer' is a common British English contraction and brand-influenced term (from the STIHL brand) for a line trimmer. It's used informally much like 'Hoover' for vacuum cleaner.
Standard nylon-line trimmers are designed for grass and soft weeds. For thicker, woody growth, a brush cutter (which uses a metal blade) is required, though some heavy-duty trimmers can be fitted with such blades.
It's a common mechanism for advancing the cutting line. When the user gently taps ('bumps') the trimmer head on the ground, it releases a short, fresh length of line to replace what has worn away.
Essential safety gear includes protective glasses or a face shield to guard against flying debris, sturdy gloves, long trousers, and closed-toe shoes. Hearing protection is also recommended for petrol-powered models.
A garden tool with a rapidly spinning nylon cord or blade used for cutting grass and weeds in areas where a lawnmower cannot reach, typically around trees, fences, or edges.
Line trimmer is usually everyday, technical (gardening/landscaping). in register.
Line trimmer: in British English it is pronounced /ˈlaɪn ˌtrɪm.ər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈlaɪn ˌtrɪm.ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “On a short line (metaphor from the trimmer's cord running out).”
- “Trimming the fat (related concept of cutting away excess).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a *LINE* of grass being *TRIMMED* perfectly straight by the tool. The tool holds a spinning 'line' of cord that 'trims'.
Conceptual Metaphor
PRECISION IS A CUTTING EDGE; BOUNDARY MANAGEMENT IS TRIMMING.
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common equivalent term for 'line trimmer' in American English?