# edges

/ˈɛdʒəz/ (US) · /ˈɛdʒɪz/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/edges
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. outer boundaries

noun · CEFR A2

the parts of an object that are farthest from the center.

For teachers: the outside limits of an object, area, or surface.

- The pages of the old book had yellow edges from sitting in the sun.
- The surveyor marked the outer edges of the property with red flags to ensure the construction crew stayed within the legal boundaries.

### 2. sharp sides

noun · CEFR B1

the sharp parts of tools like knives or scissors.

For teachers: the sharpened sides of a blade or cutting instrument.

- Be careful when washing the knives because the edges are very sharp.
- The chef insisted on professional sharpening twice a month to maintain the precise edges required for delicate vegetable work.

### 3. hairline

noun · CEFR C1 · Informal · American English

the short, fine hairs at the very front of your hairline.

For teachers: the fine hairs at the periphery of the hairline, particularly within African American hair styling contexts.

- She used a small brush and some gel to style her edges.
- The tutorial demonstrated how to use edge control products to lay down edges smoothly without causing breakage to the delicate hair follicles.

### 4. moving slowly

verb · CEFR B2

to move slowly and carefully in a certain direction.

For teachers: to move or advance gradually or by small degrees.

- The cat edges closer to the bird, trying not to make a sound.
- As the deadline approaches, the project manager edges closer to a decision regarding the final budget allocation.

Usage: The verb is often followed by a preposition like 'towards' or 'away'.

## Examples

- The paper has rough edges.
- The gardener carefully trimmed the grass along the edges of the stone path.
- The photographer focused on the sharp edges of the mountain range against the sunset, creating a stark contrast between the dark peaks and the glowing sky.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.