fraying

1 of 2

noun

fray·​ing ˈfrā-iŋ 

: something rubbed or worn off by fraying

fraying

2 of 2

present participle of fray entry 2, fray entry 4

Examples of fraying in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The New Zealand wool, a Revival best seller, is machine washable and stain resistant, and after months of weekly vacuuming she's seen only a little fraying at the edges. — Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 26 Sep. 2026

Hot water can cause shrinking, fraying, and pilling, which shortens the lifespan of your towels. — Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Sep. 2026

Even after a year of frequent washing, the shirts look pristine without any signs of fading, thinning, or fraying. — Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 23 Sep. 2026

At the first sign of breakage or fraying, your charging wire should be discarded and replaced. — Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 18 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1637, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for fraying

• baying
• braying
• faying
• flaying
• graying
• greying
• haying
• laying
• neighing
• paying
• playing
• praying