Added 6 October 2026
aim
/eɪm/ symbol
symbol Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about aim at Wordnik → Where our words come from →
noun
-
The pointing of a weapon, as a gun, a dart, or an arrow, or object, in the line of direction with the object intended to be struck; the line of fire; the direction of anything, such as a spear, a blow, a discourse, a remark, towards a particular point or object, with a view to strike or affect it.
to take aim
-
The level of accuracy of a weapon.
A rifle has more precise aim than a shotgun.
- The point intended to be hit, or object intended to be attained or affected.
verb
-
To point or direct a missile, or a weapon which propels as missile, towards an object or spot with the intent of hitting it.
He aimed at the target, but the arrow flew straight over it.
-
To direct the intention or purpose; to attempt the accomplishment of a purpose; to try to gain; to endeavor;—followed by at, or by an infinitive.
to aim at a pass
-
To direct or point (e.g. a weapon), at a particular object; to direct, as a missile, an act, or a proceeding, at, to, or against an object.
to aim an arrow at the deer
noun
- Initialism of America Online AIM; AOL Instant Messenger.
Origin
The verb is from Middle English amen, aimen, eimen (“to guess at, to estimate, to aim”), borrowed from Old French esmer, aesmer, asmer, from Latin ad- plus aestimare (“to estimate”), the compound perhaps being originally formed in Medieval Latin (adaestimare), perhaps in Old French. The noun is from Middle English ame, from Old French aesme, esme.
From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)