What does rimming mean?
Rimming is a word with two widely separated lives. In its literal sense, it is the present participle of rim, a verb meaning to form, fit, or provide an edge around something: a craftsperson might be rimming a bowl with metal. In modern informal English, especially American usage, rimming is vulgar slang for anilingus, oral stimulation of the anus, and it can also be used as a noun for that act. The slang meaning follows from the word’s older sense of an outer edge, although it is much more explicit and sexually charged than the literal meaning. Outside that context, “rimming” may be read simply as “rim” plus “-ing,” especially in descriptions of glass, ceramics, frames, and other edged objects. As a standalone dictionary word, rimming is notable not for subtlety but for the striking contrast between an ordinary craft process and unmistakably adult slang.
In vulgar slang, to perform anilingus on someone.
"He asked whether she was comfortable with rimming him before they began."
This sense is explicit and informal and normally refers to consensual sexual activity.
As the present participle of rim, to form, fit, or provide a rim around something.
"The artisan was rimming the bowl with a thin band of hammered gold."
This is a literal or technical use and is much less common than the slang sense.
An act of rimming, especially the act of oral stimulation of the anus.
"The article used the plural rimmings when describing the explicit scene."
The noun is vulgar and informal; plural forms are uncommon.
The plural is grammatically possible but uncommon; rimming is often treated as a gerund-like activity noun.
"The tabloid used the plural rimmings in its sensational headline."
Rimming is the rare word that can describe both the edge of a bowl and an unmistakably adult sexual act.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Words that share this root
Related word forms
How rimming is actually used
The slang sense is explicit, vulgar, and informal. It normally describes consensual sexual activity and may be unsuitable for nonsexual or formal contexts. The literal sense is comparatively uncommon but occurs in descriptions of glasswork, ceramics, frames, and other objects fitted with an edge or border.