English Reference
noun · verb

edge

n. · v.
US /ˈɛdʒ/ UK /ˈɛdʒ/ edge

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    n.the outside limit or border of an object, area, or surface.

    n.the boundary line of a surface or the area immediately adjacent to a steep drop.

    Simple

    Be careful not to put your glass too close to the edge of the table.

    In context

    The hikers stood cautiously at the cliff's edge, peering down at the crashing waves hundreds of feet below.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.the thin, sharp part of a blade that cuts.

    n.the sharpened side of a cutting instrument, such as a knife or axe.

    Simple

    The chef tested the edge of the knife before slicing the tomatoes.

    In context

    The blacksmith spent hours honing the sword's edge until it could slice through silk with minimal resistance.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.a small advantage over someone else.

    n.a quality or factor which gives superiority over close rivals.

    Simple

    Her experience in marketing gave her an edge over the other candidates.

    In context

    The new software update gave the company a competitive edge in an increasingly crowded marketplace.

  4. 04 C1 Advanced Technical Computing

    n.processing data near where it is created rather than in a central cloud.

    n.referring to distributed computing that brings computation and data storage closer to the sources of data.

    Simple

    Edge computing helps smart devices respond faster by processing data locally.

    In context

    By implementing edge architecture, the factory reduced latency in its automated assembly line significantly.

  5. 05 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.to move slowly and carefully in a particular direction.

    v.to move or cause to move by small degrees or with cautious care.

    Simple

    He edged his car forward to get a better view of the traffic.

    In context

    The cat edged closer to the bird, moving so slowly that its progress was almost imperceptible.

  6. 06 C2 Proficiency Slang

    v.to delay a climax during sexual activity for a long time.

    v.to intentionally maintain sexual arousal just below the point of climax for an extended period.

    Simple

    Some people use edging as a way to make the final experience more intense.

    In context

    The discussion of edging in modern subcultures often focuses on the psychological aspects of delayed gratification.

This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated