noun

gimp

gihmp

noun

A narrow decorative braid or trim, often stiffened with wire or cord, used to edge curtains, furniture, or clothing.

"The armchair was finished with gold gimp along its seams."

A limping walk, or (informally and often considered offensive) a person who walks with a limp.

"His old knee injury gave him a bit of a gimp."

verb

To walk with a limp; to hobble.

"He gimped across the field after twisting his ankle."

How to Use Gimp

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishMostly used for decorative braid/trim in sewing and upholstery; as slang for a person with a limp or disability it is dated and can be considered offensive, so it's best avoided in that sense.

When to use it

The disability-related sense is derogatory slang — avoid it; use "limp" or "hobble" instead.

Word Forms

more gimp comparative, gimped past tense, gimped past tense, gimps plural, gimps plural, gimps singular, gimps singular, most gimp superlative

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The armchair was finished with gold _____ along its seams.

Etymology

Recorded in English since the 1600s, likely from Dutch or French words for a type of trim or braid; the "limp" sense developed separately and is much later.

Rhymes for gimp

imp pimp limp wimp crimp blimp skimp shrimp

See all rhymes for gimp →