fringe

¹fringe

noun, often attributive \ˈfrinj\

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

Examples of FRINGE

1. a lampshade with a fringe
2. a fringe of moss around the tree
3. a party on the political fringe

Origin of FRINGE

Middle English frenge, from Anglo-French, from Vulgar Latin *frimbia, from Latin fimbriae (plural)

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to FRINGE

Synonyms: borderline, bound, boundary, brim, circumference, compass, confines, edge, edging, end, frame, border, 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

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Rhymes with FRINGE

binge, cringe, dinge, hinge, singe, springe, swinge, tinge, twinge, whinge