shim: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical
Quick answer
What does “shim” mean?
A thin piece of material (metal, wood, plastic) inserted between two parts to adjust for spacing, alignment, or wear.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A thin piece of material (metal, wood, plastic) inserted between two parts to adjust for spacing, alignment, or wear.
Any thin object or layer used to fill a small gap or space; in computing, a small piece of code that intercepts and modifies API calls for compatibility or monitoring purposes.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or spelling. The term is equally technical in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both regions.
Frequency
Low frequency in general language but common in mechanical/engineering and IT fields in both the UK and US.
Grammar
How to Use “shim” in a Sentence
shim + [object] + with + [material]shim + [object] + to + [purpose]insert/place/use + a shimVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “shim” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We'll need to shim the cabinet to get it perfectly level.
- The carpenter shimmed the door frame before securing it.
American English
- You have to shim the washing machine to stop it from vibrating.
- He shimmed the wobbly table leg with a piece of cardboard.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- The shim stock comes in various thicknesses.
- A shim washer is used in that assembly.
American English
- We need a shim plate for this mounting bracket.
- Check the shim thickness with a micrometer.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; might appear in procurement for construction or manufacturing.
Academic
Common in engineering, materials science, and computer science publications.
Everyday
Very rare outside DIY or hobbyist contexts.
Technical
Core term in mechanical engineering, carpentry, and software development (API shims).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “shim”
- Confusing 'shim' with 'wedge' (a shim is often a parallel filler, a wedge is tapered).
- Misspelling as 'shin' or 'shimmer'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a specialised technical term primarily used in engineering, construction, and computing.
Yes, it is commonly used as a verb meaning 'to fit or adjust by using a shim' (e.g., 'shim the cabinet').
A washer is typically a ring used to distribute load or as a seal under a nut/bolt. A shim is a thin piece used to fill a gap or adjust alignment and can be any shape.
The etymology is uncertain but likely originates in the 18th century, possibly an alteration of 'shimmy' or a dialectal word.
A thin piece of material (metal, wood, plastic) inserted between two parts to adjust for spacing, alignment, or wear.
Shim is usually technical in register.
Shim: in British English it is pronounced /ʃɪm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ʃɪm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Shim and shake (informal, rare: to make a temporary fix)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Shim sounds like 'thin' and 'rim' – a thin rim you insert to make something fit.
Conceptual Metaphor
BRIDGING A GAP (A shim bridges the small distance between two entities, literally or figuratively).
Practice
Quiz
In a computing context, what is a 'shim' primarily used for?