First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1fringe
noun, often attributive \ˈfrinj\
: a border made of hanging threads used to decorate the edge of something (such as clothing, rugs, and curtains)
: a narrow area along the edge of something
: an area of activity that is related to but not part of whatever is central or most widely accepted : a group of people with extreme views or unpopular opinions
Full Definition of FRINGE
1
: an ornamental border consisting of short straight or twisted threads or strips hanging from cut or raveled edges or from a separate band
2
a : something resembling a fringe : edge, periphery —often used in plural <operated on the fringes of the law> b chiefly British : 4bang c : one of various light or dark bands produced by the interference or diffraction of light d : an area bordering a putting green on a golf course with grass trimmed longer than on the green itself
3
a : something that is marginal, additional, or secondary to some activity, process, or subject <a fringe sport> b : a group with marginal or extremist views c : fringe benefit
— fringy \ˈfrin-jē\ adjective
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See fringe defined for kids
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Origin of FRINGE
Middle English frenge, from Anglo-French, from Vulgar Latin *frimbia, from Latin fimbriae (plural)
Related to FRINGE
Other Clothing Terms
2fringe
verb
: to decorate (something) with a fringe
: to go along or around (something)
fringedfring·ing \ˈfrin-jiŋ\
Full Definition of FRINGE
transitive verb
1
: to furnish or adorn with a fringe
2
: to serve as a fringe for : border
See fringe defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of FRINGE
15th century
Related to FRINGE
- Synonyms
- abut, border (on), butt (on or against), flank, adjoin, join, march (with), neighbor, skirt, touch, verge (on)
Other Clothing Terms
FRINGE[1] Defined for Kids
1fringe
noun \ˈfrinj\
Definition of FRINGE for Kids
1
: a border or trimming made by or made to look like the loose ends of the cloth
2
: a narrow area along the edge <I ran till I got to the fringe of the forest.>
2fringe
verb
fringedfring·ing
Definition of FRINGE for Kids
1
: to decorate with a fringe
2
: to go along or around <A hedge fringed the yard.>
Medical Dictionary
fringe
noun , often attrib \ˈfrinj\
Medical Definition of FRINGE
: one of various light or dark bands produced by the interference or diffraction of light
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