brink

noun

ˈbriŋk 

1

: edge

especially : the edge at the top of a steep place

2

: a bank especially of a river

3

: the point of onset : verge

on the brink of war

4

: the threshold of danger

Synonyms of brink

• verge

Examples of brink in a Sentence

was at the brink of death when the rescuers arrived

Recent Examples on the Web

Knicks on brink of title after greatest-ever NBA Finals comeback. —Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 11 June 2026

Scandal and disgrace In 1978, host Argentina was on a brink of elimination. —Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 8 June 2026

The Timberwolves’ season, again, faces a brink. —Marcus Thompson Ii, New York Times, 9 May 2026

Ironically, a hiring surge of factotums has helped push San Diego to the financial brink. —Kate Callen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse brekka slope; akin to Middle Dutch brink grassland

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing brink

• brought/pulled back from the brink of
• on the brink of
• teetering on the brink/edge of
• the brink

Rhymes for brink

• blink
• chink
• cinque
• clink
• dink
• drink
• fink
• hink
• ink
• kink
• klink
• link

Kids Definition

brink

noun

ˈbriŋk 

1

: the edge at the top of a steep place

2

: a point of beginning : verge

on the brink of war