NYT Dictionary

GIMP

/ɡɪmp/
NounVerbAdjectiveDZIMPGrade 7

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2021, 2022, 2026

Meaning

A narrow ornamental fabric or braid of silk, wool, or cotton, often stiffened with metallic wire or coarse cord running through it, used as trimming for dresses, curtains, furniture, etc. Also guimpe.

Etymology

Origin: French

Attested since about 1660, perhaps from Dutch gimp or French guimpe, and likely from Old French guimpre, a variant of guipure, a kind of trimming. The regional sense of "gumption" is attested since about 1905, and may have developed due to the reinforced nature of gimp cord, or possibly the influence of the words gumption and gumph.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

spiritambitionvigorpepcrippledisableddweebnerdgeekgump

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 2 recorded puzzles:

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