border

¹bor·der

noun \ˈbȯr-dər\

Definition of BORDER

1

: an outer part or edge

2

: an ornamental design at the edge of a fabric or rug

3

: a narrow bed of planted ground along the edge of a garden or walk <a border of tulips>

4

: boundary <crossed the border into Italy>

5

: a plain or decorative margin around printed matter

— bor·dered \-dərd\ adjective

Examples of BORDER

1. the border between Poland and Slovenia
2. He grew up in Malaysia, near the Indonesian border.
3. They live just beyond the western border of the park.
4. the border of the Sahara
5. The quilt is quite plain except for its colorful border.
6. a broad red border on each plate
7. He planted pansies in the border.

Origin of BORDER

Middle English bordure, from Anglo-French, from border to border, from Old French bort border, of Germanic origin; probably akin to Old English bord board

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to BORDER

Synonyms

borderline, bound, boundary, brim, circumference, compass, confines, edge, edging, end, frame, fringe, hem, margin, perimeter, periphery, rim, skirt, skirting, verge

Related Words

ambit; brink, crest, curb, cusp, lip; ceiling, maximum; demarcation, extent, limitation, measure, mere, restriction, termination; borderland, frontier, march, outskirts, pale, selvage; lap; shore

Near Antonyms

center, core, heart; inner, inside, interior, middle, within

Rhymes with BORDER

boarder, corder, hoarder, order, warder

²border

verb

bor·dered bor·der·ing \ˈbȯr-d(ə-)riŋ\

Definition of BORDER

transitive verb

1

: to put a border on

2

: to touch at the edge or boundary : bound <borders the city on the south>

intransitive verb

1

: to lie on the border <the United States borders on Canada>

2

: to approach the nature of a specified thing : verge <borders on the ridiculous>

— bor·der·er \-dər-ər\ noun

Examples of BORDER

1. Their property borders the park.
2. Tall trees border the avenue.
3. Two rivers border the city.

First Known Use of BORDER

14th century

Related to BORDER

Synonyms

bound, edge, frame, fringe, margin, rim, skirt

Related Words

hem, trim; circumscribe, define, delineate, demarcate, outline, silhouette, sketch, trace; circle, compass, encircle, enclose (also inclose), environ, girdle, girth, loop, ring, round, surround, wall; check, confine, control, curb, limit, restrain, restrict

Rhymes with BORDER

corder, hoarder, order, warder

bor·der

noun \ˈbȯrd-ər\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of BORDER

: an outer part or edge—see brush border