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Definition of fringe
(Entry 1 of 2)
1 : an ornamental border consisting of short straight or twisted threads or strips hanging from cut or raveled edges or from a separate band a lampshade with a fringe
2a : something resembling a fringe : edge, periphery —often used in plural operated on the fringes of the lawworking for years on the fringes of the entertainment industry
b chiefly British : bang entry 4 wears her hair in a fringe
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
3a : something that is marginal, additional, or secondary to some activity, process, or subject a fringe sport
b : a group with marginal or extremist views the politically conservative fringe
c : fringe benefit
fringe
verb
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Definition of fringe (Entry 2 of 2)
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Other words from fringe
Noun
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adjective
Synonyms for fringe
Synonyms: Noun
border, borderline, bound, boundary, brim, circumference, compass, confines, edge, edging, end, frame, hem, margin, perimeter, periphery, rim, skirt, skirting, verge
Synonyms: Verb
border, bound, edge, frame, margin, rim, skirt
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Examples of fringe in a Sentence
Noun
a lampshade with a fringe a fringe of moss around the tree a party on the political fringeVerb
A jungle fringed the shore. the orchestral pit fringed the edge of the stage
Recent Examples on the Web: Noun
Croatia, a nation of four million on the fringe of Eastern Europe, is threatening to change the pattern in 2018. — Gerald Imray, chicagotribune.com, "In-form Croatia face Denmark in a battle of Eastern European hopefuls," 30 June 2018 The hope among grass-roots activists is that progressive energy will give these same people the political cover to embrace an abolish-ICE policy that has mostly thrived on the fringe. — New York Times, "How ‘Abolish ICE’ Went From Social Media to Progressive Candidates’ Rallying Cry," 29 June 2018 Stewart had long been on the fringe of the state’s GOP; now the win makes him the standard-bearer of a deeply divided party that hasn’t won a statewide race in nearly a decade. — BostonGlobe.com, "Devoted Trump supporter Stewart wins Virginia GOP Senate nom," 13 June 2018 In an appearance on the fringe InfoWars radio show, the day after his email to the former campaign aide, Stone said WikiLeaks would soon have more leaked information about Hillary Clinton. — Time, "7 Questions That Are Still Unanswered One Year Into the Robert Mueller Investigation," 16 May 2018 Princess Nokia, like Tank and the Bangas, resides on the fringe of what's getting major mainstream attention at the moment. — Gerrick D. Kennedy, latimes.com, "At Coachella, the future of rap is female," 21 Apr. 2018 But roster cuts are looming, too, and pitchers either on the fringe or with no chance of making the team will be shipped out to begin getting their innings in tune with the minor-league schedule. — Jeff Wilson, star-telegram, "Should Hamels, 34, be more open-minded about extra rest from a six-man rotation? | Fort Worth Star-Telegram," 3 Mar. 2018 And Van Sant, whose own filmmaking career has ping-ponged between the fringes of the independent movement and the heart of the studio mainstream, does not exactly set out to thwart convention. — Justin Chang, latimes.com, "Review: Joaquin Phoenix stars in the captivating addiction drama 'Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot'," 12 July 2018 The once-fringe idea of abolishing ICE has been touted, in a fashion, by more mainstream Democrats in recent weeks. — Richard Ruelas, azcentral, "Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey campaign paints Democrat David Garcia as supporter of #AbolishICE," 11 July 2018Recent Examples on the Web: Verb
High numbers weren’t limited only to fringe pros like Gregory, though. — Dan Gartland, SI.com, "Scott Gregory Shoots First-Round 92 at U.S. Open," 14 June 2018 Wiry and muscular, he was invariably dressed in a buckskin suit, fringed at the edges, with a deerskin cap ornamented with a fox tail. — Gary Kamiya, SFChronicle.com, "The original Grizzly Adams kept his bears on a chain in SF," 7 July 2018 As police tried to keep order, fist fights broke out in a string of downtown parks fringed with aspen trees and dotted with plaques honoring Portland’s founders and fallen World War II soldiers. — Washington Post, "Violent protests again draw attention to Portland, Oregon," 10 June 2018 As police tried to keep order, fist fights broke out in a string of downtown parks fringed with aspen trees and dotted with plaques honoring Portland's founders and fallen World War II soldiers. — Fox News, "Violent skirmishes between Antifa, right-wing activists draw national attention to Portland, Oregon," 9 June 2018 Others cast a wary eye on the wave of populist tremors that fringe parties in mature nations like France and Germany have tried to ride. — Steven Rattner, New York Times, "Dambisa Moyo’s Proposals for Saving Democracy," 7 June 2018 Fortunately, there are plenty of hands-free options, below, that should cover all the necessary bases, whether you’re drawn to Rachel Comey’s pink fringed purse or Nanushka’s leopard-print fanny pack. — Madeline Fass, Vogue, "13 Chic Hands-Free Bags for Festival Season and Beyond," 20 Apr. 2018 From Paulson's neon-fringed Prada to Awkwafina's ethereal Reem Acra, see what the Ocean's 8 cast wore to slay the red-carpet premiere. — Halie Lesavage, Glamour, "The Ocean's 8 Premiere Might Have Been the Best Red Carpet of the Year," 6 June 2018 One friend, Lori Duncan, wore a black, fringed dress and white cowboy boots with metal toes. — Lois Smith Brady, New York Times, "You Could Write a Country Song About Them. (He Probably Will.)," 1 June 2018These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'fringe.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for fringe
fringe
noun
English Language Learners Definition of fringe
(Entry 1 of 2)
: a border made of hanging threads used to decorate the edge of something (such as clothing, rugs, and curtains)
: a narrow area along the edge of something
: an area of activity that is related to but not part of whatever is central or most widely accepted : a group of people with extreme views or unpopular opinions
fringe
verbEnglish Language Learners Definition of fringe (Entry 2 of 2)
: to decorate (something) with a fringe
: to go along or around (something)
See the full definition for fringe in the English Language Learners Dictionary
fringe
noun
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Kids Definition of fringe
(Entry 1 of 2)
1 : a border or trimming made by or made to look like the loose ends of the cloth
2 : a narrow area along the edge I ran till I got to the fringe of the forest.
fringe
verbKids Definition of fringe (Entry 2 of 2)
1 : to decorate with a fringe
2 : to go along or around A hedge fringed the yard.
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Medical Definition of fringe
: one of various light or dark bands produced by the interference or diffraction of light
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