trimmer
TRIM-ur
/ˈhɛdʒ ˈtrɪmər/ or /ˈtrɪmər/
A mechanical tool used for cutting, neatening, or shaping lawns, hedges, or edges.
Refers to hand-held power tools (like string trimmers or hedge trimmers) designed for precise edge-work where a lawnmower cannot reach.
The story behind the word. In Old English, 'trymian' meant to make strong or prepare for battle. By the 16th century, sailors used 'trim' to describe balancing a ship by arranging its cargo. This idea of 'making neat and orderly' eventually moved to hair, clothing, and gardens, leading to the invention of the mechanical 'trimmer' in the 20th century.
Word relationships
- weed whacker: Weed whacker is a highly colloquial, brand-derived term for a string trimmer, whereas trimmer is the standard, professional category term.
- edger: An edger is designed specifically to cut clean vertical lines along sidewalks, while a trimmer is a more versatile tool for cutting grass in tight or awkward spaces.
Commonly confused with
- mower: A mower is a wheeled machine for cutting large flat areas of grass, while a trimmer is a handheld tool for tight corners and edges.
Word family
- trim (verb): To cut off irregular or unwanted parts to make neat.
Collocations
- string trimmer
- hedge trimmer
- electric trimmer
- trimmer line
Example sentences
- "Keep your feet clear of the spinning line when operating the grass trimmer." A safety warning on a lawn care product.
- "After mowing the main lawn, he used an electric trimmer to clean up the grass growing along the fence line." A weekend chore description.
Memory hook
Think of getting a 'trim' at the barber—a 'trimmer' does the exact same neatening job for the overgrown edges of your yard. A trimmer tidies up the tight spots.
When not to use
Do not use when referring to a heavy-duty machine used to cut down whole trees; that is a chainsaw or feller buncher.
Fun facts
- The string trimmer (or 'Weed Eater') was invented in 1971 by George Ballas of Houston, Texas, who got the idea while watching the spinning brushes of an automatic car wash.
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