Definition

A thin piece of material used to fill gaps or make things level and fit properly.

Example

He used a shim to ensure the door was perfectly aligned.

Conversation

Hey, do you have a shim I can borrow for my table?

Sure! I think I have a few in the garage.

I need to level it out; it's been wobbling so much.

No problem, a little shim should do the trick!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

To fill in or adjust something by placing a thin piece of material, called a shim, between two objects.

Example

The carpenter used a shim to make the door fit perfectly in the frame.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I need to shim the table so it doesn't wobble anymore.

That's a good idea! Do you have the materials?

Yeah, I just bought some shims from the hardware store.

Root Explanation

The word 'shim' originates from the Middle English 'shymme', which means a thin piece of material used to fill a space or support something. It is related to the Old Norse word 'skímm', meaning a thin piece or splinter.

Memory Tip

Think of a thin piece of material that fills a gap or supports something — that's what a shim does.

Visually Confused Words