fringe

[frinj]

noun

1. a decorative border of thread, cord, or the like, usually hanging loosely from a raveled edge or separate strip.

2. anything resembling or suggesting this.

   a fringe of grass around a swimming pool.

   Synonyms: rim, skirt, border, edge

3. an outer edge; margin; periphery.

   on the fringe of the art world.

4. something regarded as peripheral, marginal, secondary, or extreme in relation to something else.

   the lunatic fringe of a strong political party.

5. Optics.,  one of the alternate light and dark bands produced by diffraction or interference.

6. fringe benefit.

verb (used with object)

fringed, fringing 

1. to furnish with or as if with a fringe.

2. to serve as a fringe for, or to be arranged around or along so as to suggest a fringe.

   armed guards fringing the building.

fringe

/ frɪndʒ /

noun

1. an edging consisting of hanging threads, tassels, etc

2. 1. an outer edge; periphery

   2. ( as modifier )

      fringe dwellers

      a fringe area

3. (modifier) unofficial; not conventional in form

   fringe theatre

4. a section of the front hair cut short over the forehead

5. an ornamental border or margin

6. physics any of the light and dark or coloured bands produced by diffraction or interference of light

verb

1. to adorn or fit with a fringe or fringes

2. to be a fringe for

   fur fringes the satin

Other Word Forms

• fringeless adjective
• fringelike adjective
• fringy adjective
• underfringe noun
• unfringe verb (used with object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of fringe¹

1325–75; Middle English frenge < Old French ( French frange ) < Vulgar Latin *frimbia, metathetic variant of Late Latin fimbria, Latin fimbriae fringe

Word History and Origins

Origin of fringe¹

C14: from Old French frenge , ultimately from Latin fimbria fringe, border; see _fimbria

Example Sentences

The charmingly quirky British actor started writing the script, about a man living on the fringes of society, several years ago with the intention of eventually getting it made.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

"The facts of life are Conservative" is a quote from former PM Margaret Thatcher which has been trotted out at fringe events.

Read more on BBC

At a fringe meeting on Monday, former Brexit minister Lord Frost gave a brutal assessment of the Conservatives' prospects under its current leader.

Read more on BBC

She said that many of the popular events took place not in the main hall but at fringe events, where people were having to queue to get in.

Read more on BBC

Shadow Business Secretary Andrew Griffith told a fringe meeting the Conservatives needed "bold" policies that would take voters by surprise at the next election.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• brink 
• edge 
• hem 
• outskirts 
• perimeter 
• periphery 
• skirt 
• verge