fringe

noun, often attributive

\ ˈfrinj

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

fringed; fringing\ ˈfrin-jiŋ

Definition of fringe (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : to furnish or adorn with a fringe

2 : to serve as a fringe for : border

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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 fringe

Verb

A jungle fringed the shore. the orchestral pit fringed the edge of the stage

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

But across the pond in London this afternoon, Sophie Turner brought some drama of her own, debuting a new post-Game of Thrones hair look complete with a full set of fringe. — Jenna Rennert, Vogue, "Sophie Turner Steps Out With a Dramatic Post-Game of Thrones Hair Look in London," 23 May 2019 Unlike in Alabama, Senate GOP leadership and Trump were on the same page in believing that West Virginia's fringe candidate needed to lose. — Amber Phillips, Washington Post, "Don Blankenship lost, but that doesn’t mean the GOP is rid of its Don Blankenship problem," 9 May 2018 His only rival, Scott Lively, a fringe candidate with hardly any staff or fund-raising, managed to win 27.7 percent of support from delegates, easily clearing the 15 percent threshold of delegate support to qualify for the primary ballot. — Frank Phillips, BostonGlobe.com, "Charlie Baker gets endorsement but will face primary challenge," 28 Apr. 2018 But in many recent cases where fringe candidates have won major party nominations, the parties have been out of luck. — David Weigel, ajc, "Republicans seek alternative to 'Nazi' candidate, after he secures nomination," 21 Mar. 2018 Google employees gave Hillary Clinton’s campaign a total of $1,559,861 while lavishing $40,813 on fringe Green Party candidate Jill Stein. — Alexander Nazaryan, Newsweek, "Is Silicon Valley Silencing Conservatives on Social Media?," 15 Mar. 2018 Out-of-this-World Lashes Setting the stage for a showing of freaky fringe, Lady Gaga hit the red carpet with a gilded set of gold leaf lashes that stretched to outlandish proportions. — Lauren Valenti, Vogue, "The 7 Biggest Camp Beauty Trends at the Met Gala, From Neon Gazes to Ceiling-Bound Hair," 7 May 2019 Thankfully, these days there are a number of options to enhance your fringe, whether that's with a good mascara or a pair of false eyelashes. Don't want to have to deal with mascara or falsies every day? — Roxanne Adamiyatt, Town & Country, "Every Question You've Ever Had About Lash Extensions Answered," 4 Feb. 2019 Video: Clément Bürge The CME and Cboe futures contracts were seen as a big step forward for the once-fringe asset gaining wider acceptance on Wall Street. — Gabriel T. Rubin, WSJ, "First Futures Contract to Pay Out in Bitcoin Poised for Green Light," 20 Dec. 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

On his left, Nyong’o wore a cobalt blue fringed strapless dress by Calvin Klein by Appointment with silver beading. — Christian Allaire, Vogue, "The Cast of Black Panther Is the Golden Globes’s Chicest Trio," 7 Jan. 2019 The lovely Jardins de l'Europe and festive esplanade both give way to a sandy bay fringed with old-timey paddle boats, some of which are topped with individual waterslides. — Elizabeth Wellington, Vogue, "Exploring Annecy, the Venice of the French Alps," 7 Nov. 2018 Striped pillows mingle with nubby throw blankets and linen sheets for the ultimate winter bed, while unexpected details like tassels and fringed edges give each element a thoughtful, finished look. — Jennifer Fernandez, House Beautiful, "A Joanna Gaines Bedding Line Is Coming To Target The Day After Christmas," 22 Dec. 2018 For a roughly 7-by-6-foot fringed blanket and charming pillows (there’s a choice of two colors and sizes), the scarves have been chopped up and stitched together in a tastefully off-kilter patchwork motif. — Marley Marius, Vogue, "Acne Studios Offers a Characteristically Cool Take on Home Goods," 5 Dec. 2018 Fold each fringed feather in half along dashed line and cut fringe along outer edge as marked. — Shelley Wolson, Woman's Day, "Fancy Faces: DIY Halloween Masks," 22 Sep. 2010 Emma Stone wore a custom gold column gown with fringed skirt. — Chrissy Rutherford, Harper's BAZAAR, "See Riccardo Tisci’s First Red Carpet Moment for Burberry," 7 Jan. 2019 Not to mention, this music video marked the official debut of Mina’s fringed bangs. — Lai Frances, Allure, "A Comprehensive Guide to the Evolution of Twice's Hair and Makeup," 6 Nov. 2018 That is why the Eurasian steppe is fringed to the south with barriers designed to forestall horsemen. — Felipe Fernández-armesto, WSJ, "‘Walls: A History of Civilization in Blood and Brick’ Review: . . . and Stay Out!," 13 Sep. 2018

These 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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7 Jun 2019

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The first known use of fringe was in the 14th century

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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

verb

English 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

\ ˈfrinj