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View synonyms for fringe

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

    1. an outer edge; periphery

    2. ( as modifier )

      fringe dwellers

      a fringe area

  2. (modifier) unofficial; not conventional in form

    fringe theatre

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

  4. an ornamental border or margin

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

“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

verb

  1. to adorn or fit with a fringe or fringes

  2. to be a fringe for

    fur fringes the satin

“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
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Other Word Forms

  • fringeless adjective
  • fringelike adjective
  • fringy adjective
  • underfringe noun
  • unfringe verb (used with object)
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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
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Word History and Origins

Origin of fringe1

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

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He added this spoke to how disabled people were "perceived as a fringe case".

Read more on BBC

"The diamond and gemstone market is liquid and there are many buyers on the fringes that don't ask too many questions."

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BBC Spotlight observed his journey for answers in Syria, a country still on the fringes of a fragile peace.

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The double-sided style is finished with chunky fringing and, even better, large rectangular pockets.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

A year earlier, at an event in New Hampshire, he met a fellow backstage who had been hovering around the fringes of politics for a while.

Read more on Salon

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Frimlfringe area