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

Explanation

If you make cutoffs from jeans, the little white strings around the edges of the legs make a fringe. A fringe is a decorative edge made of hanging strings of fabric. You know how fringe hangs on the edge of fabric and clothing? Think of this picture when you see fringe used metaphorically to mean something that is on the outer boundaries of something else. Many cities hold events called fringe festivals that celebrate art created on the fringe of the established art world. A group of people whose beliefs place them on the outskirts of a social group is called a fringe group. And beware of the lunatic fringe — they are the extremists and fanatics of a social or political movement.

Example Sentences

As a result, users may not need to seek out fringe online communities or persuade others to validate their ideas.

From Science Daily • May 11, 2026

For years, the Alabama-based nonprofit, also known as the SPLC, has been one of the few nongovernmental organizations paying close attention to California’s fringe.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

A growing but still fringe protest movement, Not A Project CFC, attracted more than 500 fans who marched to Stamford Bridge before Saturday's defeat by Manchester United.

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

What began as a fringe subculture is now, unmistakably, part of the cultural conversation.

From Salon • Apr. 6, 2026

The Ancient’s seamed face appeared through the fringe of reeds, and his one eye rolled from Ranofer to Heqet with an expression of exaggerated stealth.

From "The Golden Goblet" by Eloise Jarvis McGraw

Related Words

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