First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1edge
noun \ˈej\
: the line or part where an object or area begins or ends
: the part of a blade that cuts
: the sharpness of a blade
Full Definition of EDGE
1
a : the cutting side of a blade <a razor's edge> b : the sharpness of a blade <a knife with no edge> c (1) : force, effectiveness <blunted the edge of the legislation> (2) : vigor or energy especially of body <maintains his hard edge> d (1) : incisive or penetrating quality <writing with a satirical edge> (2) : a noticeably harsh or sharp quality <her voice had an edge to it> (3) : a secondary but distinct quality <rock music with a bluesy edge> e : keenness or intensity of desire or enjoyment <lost my competitive edge>
2
a : the line where an object or area begins or ends : border <on the edge of a plain> b : the narrow part adjacent to a border <the edge of the deck> c (1) : a point near the beginning or the end; especially : brink, verge <on the edge of disaster> (2) : the threshold of danger or ruin <living on the edge> d : a favorable margin : advantage <has an edge on the competition>
3
: a line or line segment that is the intersection of two plane faces (as of a pyramid) or of two planes
— edge·less adjective
See edge defined for English-language learners
See edge defined for kids
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Origin of EDGE
Middle English egge, from Old English ecg; akin to Latin acer sharp, Greek akmē point
Related to EDGE
2edge
verb
: to give an edge to (something)
: to be on the edge of (something)
: to move slowly or with small movements in a specified direction
edgededg·ing
Full Definition of EDGE
transitive verb
1
a : to give an edge to b : to be on an edge of <trees edging the lake>
2
: to move or force gradually <edged him off the road>
3
: to incline (a ski) sideways so that one edge cuts into the snow
4
: to defeat by a small margin —often used with out <edged out her opponent>
intransitive verb
: to advance by short moves
See edge defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of EDGE
14th century
EDGE Defined for Kids
1edge
noun \ˈej\
Definition of EDGE for Kids
2edge
verb
edgededg·ing
Definition of EDGE for Kids
1
: to give a border to <The sleeve was edged with lace.>
2
: to move slowly and gradually <Our raft edged towards the falls.>
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