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

He was active on fringe online forums and before the attack, he had posted a 74-page "manifesto" online.

From BBC

A black expanse lay on one side of the road, fringed by distant specks of light—the lake, again.

From Literature

Yes, he's had years in the spotlight, but largely as a critic or campaigning figure on the fringe of politics.

From BBC

For a while this season, Villarreal seemed to be on the fringes of the title race but two defeats and a draw in their last three La Liga outings have diminished those notions.

From Barron's

For a short while this season, Villarreal seemed to be on the fringes of the title race but two defeats and a draw in their last three La Liga outings have diminished those notions.

From Barron's

Related Words

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