fraying

noun

fray·​ing ˈfrā-iŋ How to pronounce fraying (audio)
: something rubbed or worn off by fraying

Examples of fraying in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Shoppers loved how the 100 percent cotton material resisted fading, shrinking, and fraying while still remaining light and breezy enough to be comfortable for summertime wearing. David Moses, Travel + Leisure, 1 Mar. 2024 Alas, that fraying is sometimes so pronounced that the music becomes less poignant than jarring. George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Dec. 2023 Cons There were small signs of wear, including light fraying, after a few weeks of use. Camryn Rabideau, Peoplemag, 16 Jan. 2024 What to Consider The edges could be more tailored to prevent fraying. Sarah Kester, Travel + Leisure, 16 Nov. 2023 While the organization’s safety tips might seem like common sense (keeping candles away from kids and pets), consider these annual reminders to avoid a fire: Check all holiday light cords for breaks and fraying. Fran Kritz, Verywell Health, 18 Dec. 2023 The swivel feature also helps prevent cable fraying and should reduce the chance of damage. Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2023 The fraying of that fabric can sometimes make for a poignant evening, one that signifies the passing of time, the ties that still inextricably bind artist and listener, and the spark that a treasured piece of music can still trigger. George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Dec. 2023 After machine washing the mop head, roughly 90 percent of the stains washed out with minimal fraying and loose strings. Jenna Clark, Southern Living, 19 Sep. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fraying.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1637, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fraying was in 1637

Dictionary Entries Near fraying

Cite this Entry

“Fraying.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fraying. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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