shim
1 of 2noun
ˈshim 
: a thin, often tapered piece of material (such as wood, metal, or stone) used to fill in space between things (as for support, leveling, or adjustment of fit)
shim
2 of 2verb
shimmed; shimming
transitive verb
: to fill out or level up by the use of a shim
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web
Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 July 2022 If possible, slide a second shim in from the other side of the joist. Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 July 2022 The shim will cause the couch back to tilt outward about 98°. Andrew Freye, Popular Mechanics, 29 Oct. 2021 Enter reliever Martín Pérez, who kicked the shim out from under the floodgates and swung them wide open. BostonGlobe.com, 20 Oct. 2021 Then, with a ceremonious flair, my dad pushed the shim rock into place. Roy Berendsohn, Popular Mechanics, 10 Apr. 2021 Starting at the top center of the mirror, carefully pry it away from the wall using a thin pry bar, then insert a thin shim of wood behind the glass. Roy Berendson, Popular Mechanics, 13 Sep. 2020 Hand tools are scattered around Woodward’s desk among boxes full of new ball bearings, stacks of crystalline disks, and scraps of metal shim that Woodward has cut into electrodes. Daniel Oberhaus, Wired, 3 Sep. 2020 Boeing is separately addressing another concern: that faulty shim installation on its own might contribute to structural fatigue. Julie Johnsson, Bloomberg.com, 29 Aug. 2020 Katie Intner, PEOPLE.com, 7 Jan. 2020 Spatial Relations Many European companies also offer base cabinets with adjustable legs that can be quickly leveled for faster, easier installation, instead of laboriously trimmed and shimmed, which is the traditional technique. Elle Decor Staff, ELLE Decor, 5 July 2012 The lower LATCH anchors are easy to connect and the rear door opening is wide, but extra support is required to shim the child seat level, and passengers up front will need to move forward to an uncomfortable position. Eric Stafford, Car and Driver, 25 Aug. 2017 Shim up any low blocks with strips of asphalt roofing, cedar shingles or 2-in.-thick concrete patio block. Joseph Truini, Popular Mechanics, 19 Apr. 2017 Walls are shimmed up on small glass-phallus sculptures. The New Yorker, 31 Mar. 2017 See More
Noun
Don't force the shim farther, as this can worsen the issue. Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 July 2022 If possible, slide a second shim in from the other side of the joist. Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 July 2022 The shim will cause the couch back to tilt outward about 98°. Andrew Freye, Popular Mechanics, 29 Oct. 2021 Enter reliever Martín Pérez, who kicked the shim out from under the floodgates and swung them wide open. BostonGlobe.com, 20 Oct. 2021 Then, with a ceremonious flair, my dad pushed the shim rock into place. Roy Berendsohn, Popular Mechanics, 10 Apr. 2021 Starting at the top center of the mirror, carefully pry it away from the wall using a thin pry bar, then insert a thin shim of wood behind the glass. Roy Berendson, Popular Mechanics, 13 Sep. 2020 Hand tools are scattered around Woodward’s desk among boxes full of new ball bearings, stacks of crystalline disks, and scraps of metal shim that Woodward has cut into electrodes. Daniel Oberhaus, Wired, 3 Sep. 2020 Boeing is separately addressing another concern: that faulty shim installation on its own might contribute to structural fatigue. Julie Johnsson, Bloomberg.com, 29 Aug. 2020 Verb
And the season 18 contestants even make a cameo as well, shimming to the lyrics backstage. Katie Intner, PEOPLE.com, 7 Jan. 2020 Spatial Relations Many European companies also offer base cabinets with adjustable legs that can be quickly leveled for faster, easier installation, instead of laboriously trimmed and shimmed, which is the traditional technique. Elle Decor Staff, ELLE Decor, 5 July 2012 The lower LATCH anchors are easy to connect and the rear door opening is wide, but extra support is required to shim the child seat level, and passengers up front will need to move forward to an uncomfortable position. Eric Stafford, Car and Driver, 25 Aug. 2017 Shim up any low blocks with strips of asphalt roofing, cedar shingles or 2-in.-thick concrete patio block. Joseph Truini, Popular Mechanics, 19 Apr. 2017 Walls are shimmed up on small glass-phallus sculptures. The New Yorker, 31 Mar. 2017 See More Word History
Etymology
Noun
origin unknown
First Known Use
Noun
1860, in the meaning defined above
Verb
circa 1890, in the meaning defined above