fencing

[fen-sing]

noun

1. the art, practice, or sport in which an épée, foil, or saber is used for defense and attack.

2. a parrying of arguments; avoidance of direct answers.

   political fencing on important issues.

3. an enclosure or railing.

4. fences collectively.

5. material for fences.

fencing

/ ˈfɛnsɪŋ /

noun

1. the practice, art, or sport of fighting with swords, esp the sport of using foils, épées, or sabres under a set of rules to score points

2. 1. wire, stakes, etc, used as fences

   2. fences collectively

3. skilful or witty debate

4. the avoidance of direct answers; evasiveness

5. slang,  the business of buying and selling stolen property

Word History and Origins

Origin of fencing¹

1425–75; late Middle English fensing safeguarding, maintenance. See fence, -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Troops have carried out a variety of tasks, from patrolling the National Mall and Metro stations to picking up trash, removing graffiti, spreading mulch and painting fencing.

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They have even turned into powerhouses in lacrosse and fencing.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

They also advise that locals keep vehicles free of food, lock doors and windows, and use electric fencing to protect beehives and chicken coops.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The district said maintenance responsibilities were transferred back to the district early this year, when temporary fencing was installed “to protect the monument moving forward.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The first 2028 Paralympic medals will be awarded on Aug. 16 in para track and field, wheelchair fencing, shooting para sport, para equestrian and para cycling track.

Read more on Los Angeles Times