fringe

American  

[frinj] / frɪndʒ /

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.

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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 British  

/ 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

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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)

Etymology

Origin of fringe

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

Example Sentences

Martin O'Neill changed eight of his starting line-up and some of the fringe players put in eye-catching displays to secure the club's first ever win in Germany against the side fourth in the Bundesliga.

From BBC

Locals have told the BBC his fringe beliefs were well-known within Porepunkah, which is host to a cluster of people with similar views, several of whom lived on Freeman's property.

From BBC

Once a fringe idea, retiring abroad has become more popular, said David Kuenzi, an adviser at Creative Planning International who works with people who do so.

From The Wall Street Journal

David Moyes' men missed the chance to move up to seventh as they remain on the fringes of the fight for a place in Europe next season.

From Barron's

Holding kids back in school for an athletic edge has existed for decades on the elite fringe of prep sports.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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