fencing

[ fen-sing ]

/ ˈfɛn sɪŋ /

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See synonyms for fencing on Thesaurus.com

noun

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

a parrying of arguments; avoidance of direct answers: political fencing on important issues.

an enclosure or railing.

fences collectively.

material for fences.

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of fencing

1425–75; late Middle English fensing safeguarding, maintenance. See fence, -ing¹

Words nearby fencing

fencer, fencerow, fence-sitter, fence with, fencible, fencing, fencing wire, fency, fend, Fendalton tractor, fender

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use fencing in a sentence

Before one foot of fencing is made permanent, we need to know everything we can about who attacked the Capitol, who led them, where and how they communicated, where they are now, and what they are planning next.
The danger of right-wing mobs is real. Fencing at the U.S. Capitol won’t help.|Philip Kennicott|February 1, 2021|Washington Post
At least some of the “nonscalable” fencing, road closures and National Guard deployments that were put in place in the wake of this month’s Capitol riot are expected to remain in place through early February.
Acting Capitol Police chief apologizes to lawmakers for ‘failings’ that allowed Jan. 6 breach|Karoun Demirjian, Aaron Davis, Peter Hermann|January 27, 2021|Washington Post
The filing came hours after the Northam administration had workers erect metal fencing around the statue, saying it was preparing to take Lee down if the high court cleared the way.
Residents ask high court to block removal of Richmond’s Robert E. Lee statue as Virginia prepares to act|Gregory S. Schneider|January 26, 2021|Washington Post
They were closely watched by National Guard troops in riot gear, standing behind layers of new security fencing surrounding the building.
'A Real Nightmare.' State Capitols Are Racing to Catch Up to the Far-Right Threat|Vera Bergengruen|January 14, 2021|Time

Among them was Hylton’s mother, Karen Hylton, who was seen swinging an aluminum baseball bat at police fencing.
Police video shows fatal crash as D.C. officers attempt to stop moped driver|Peter Hermann, Justin Jouvenal, Julie Zauzmer|October 30, 2020|Washington Post
For decades, this served as a respectable front for the biggest fencing operation in the history of the country.
Meet 'The Queen of Thieves' Marm Mandelbaum, New York City's First Mob Boss|J. North Conway|September 7, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The homestretch of the track had been blocked off with cattle fencing—the kind they use at rodeos that makes for easy climbing.
Chicago’s Running of the Bulls|Hampton Stevens|July 26, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The process of installing the fencing began a few weeks ago, and is now about halfway through.
This Cairo College Campus Is Now a 'Warzone'|Jonathan Krohn|February 18, 2014|DAILY BEAST
It wiped out the entirety of the 1975 national Cuban fencing team.
A Brief History of Toothpaste Bombs|Brian Ries|February 6, 2014|DAILY BEAST
However, its only teams to win gold were in gymnastics and fencing, both intensely solo sports.
China’s Schools Teaches Kids to Take Tests, Obey the State, and Not Much More|Junheng Li|November 30, 2013|DAILY BEAST
The white ranchmen in the valley were all fencing in their lands; no more free running of stock.
Ramona|Helen Hunt Jackson
To supply the demand for galvanised signalling and fencing cords, the machines must turn out 15,000 yards of strand per day.
Showell's Dictionary of Birmingham|Thomas T. Harman and Walter Showell
All her scheming and fencing would have availed her nothing if she were to break down at the critical moment.
Dope|Sax Rohmer
During this year there were various fencing contests held at the Bull in Bishopsgate.
Shakespearean Playhouses|Joseph Quincy Adams
He raised his saber in salute—the only fencing-movement he'd become proficient in—and jumped into a crouch.
The Great Potlatch Riots|Allen Kim Lang

British Dictionary definitions for fencing

fencing

/ (ˈfɛnsɪŋ) /

noun

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

wire, stakes, etc, used as fences
fences collectively

skilful or witty debate

the avoidance of direct answers; evasiveness

slang the business of buying and selling stolen property

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

fencing

Origin of fencing

Words nearby fencing

Words related to fencing

How to use fencing in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for fencing