plural edges
1
: the line or part where an object or area begins or ends
They peered over the edge of the roof.
The fabric was frayed at the edge.
He made us all nervous by standing so close to the edge of the cliff.
We sat at the water's edge. [=where the water touched the land]
She sat on the edge of the counter, swinging her legs.
2
a
: the part of a blade that cuts
the edge of an ax
a razor's edge
b
: the sharpness of a blade
This knife has no edge. [=this knife is not sharp]
3
a
: a harsh or unkind quality
His voice/comments had a sarcastic/sardonic edge.
b
: force or effectiveness
Her writing seems to have lost its edge.
These amendments will blunt the edge of the legislation.
4
: an advantage over others
Our experience gave us an/the edge.
You need to get/gain an edge on your competition.
The company still has/holds an edge over its competitors.
a competitive edge
edges; edged; edging
1
a
: to give an edge to (something)
Edge the sleeve with lace.
—usually used as (be) edgedThe sleeve was edged with/in lace. [=it had a lace edge]
b
: to be on the edge of (something)
Trees edge the lake.
—usually used as (be) edgedThe garden is edged [=fringed, bordered] with/in/by flowers.
2
always followed by an adverb or preposition
: to move slowly or with small movements in a specified direction
She edged away from him.
Gasoline prices have been edging upward.
I edged my chair closer to the table.
3
: to defeat (someone) by a small amount
(chiefly US) He was edged in the semifinals by the defending champion.
—usually + outHe was edged out in the semifinals.
She barely/narrowly edged out her opponent.
Cite this Entry
“Edge.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/edge. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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