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
See fringe defined for English-language learners
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
FRINGED 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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