strimmer: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low-mediumColloquial, informal; used primarily in spoken and everyday contexts.
Quick answer
What does “strimmer” mean?
A powered garden tool with a rapidly rotating nylon cord used for cutting grass and weeds, especially around edges and obstacles.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A powered garden tool with a rapidly rotating nylon cord used for cutting grass and weeds, especially around edges and obstacles.
The term can sometimes be used generically to refer to any brand of string trimmer or weed whacker, particularly in British contexts, though it's a brand name of Black & Decker.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
'Strimmer' is the predominant colloquial term in the UK. In the US, the generic terms 'string trimmer', 'weed whacker', 'weed eater', or 'line trimmer' are standard; 'strimmer' is rarely used and may not be understood.
Connotations
In the UK, it connotes an ordinary garden tool. In the US, its use might mark the speaker as British or unfamiliar with local terminology.
Frequency
Very common in UK garden centres, DIY stores, and casual speech. Extremely rare in American English.
Grammar
How to Use “strimmer” in a Sentence
[Someone] strims [the grass/edges] (with a strimmer).[Someone] uses a strimmer (to cut/trim [something]).The strimmer [verbs: cuts, trims, works, broke].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “strimmer” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- I need to strim the edges before I mow.
- He was strimming all afternoon.
American English
- I need to trim the edges with the weed whacker.
- He was using the line trimmer all afternoon.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- The strimmer cord snapped.
- He bought a new strimmer line.
American English
- The trimmer line snapped.
- He bought a new spool of weed eater string.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in retail (e.g., garden centre descriptions, product manuals).
Academic
Not used; technical or botanical papers would use more precise descriptors.
Everyday
Common in conversation about gardening, home maintenance, and DIY.
Technical
Used in gardening/landscaping manuals and tool specifications alongside generic terms.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “strimmer”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “strimmer”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “strimmer”
- Spelling: 'strimer' (missing 'm').
- Using 'strimmer' in American English where it may cause confusion.
- Using it as a verb incorrectly (e.g., 'I will strimmer the lawn' is non-standard; correct is 'I will strim the lawn' or 'use a strimmer on the lawn').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'Strimmer' is a trademark of Black & Decker, but it has become a genericized trademark in British English, much like 'Hoover' for vacuum cleaners.
The verb is 'to strim'. For example, 'I'm going to strim the edges of the lawn.'
It's not recommended. While you might be understood in context, the common terms are 'string trimmer', 'weed whacker', or 'weed eater'. Using 'strimmer' may sound distinctly British or cause confusion.
A strimmer typically uses a lightweight nylon cord for grass and soft weeds. A brushcutter is a more powerful tool that uses a metal blade for cutting thick brush, brambles, and small saplings.
A powered garden tool with a rapidly rotating nylon cord used for cutting grass and weeds, especially around edges and obstacles.
Strimmer is usually colloquial, informal; used primarily in spoken and everyday contexts. in register.
Strimmer: in British English it is pronounced /ˈstrɪmə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstrɪmər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'STRIMMing' the edges of your lawn – it TRIMMs with a STRing.
Conceptual Metaphor
A TOOL IS AN EXTENSION OF THE ARM (it allows precise cutting in hard-to-reach places).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the LEAST likely synonym for 'strimmer' in American English?