# fence

/ˈfɛns/ (US) · /fˈɛns/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. a barrier

noun · CEFR B1

a structure made of wood or metal that surrounds a garden or field.

For teachers: a barrier, typically made of posts and wire or boards, enclosing an area of ground to mark a boundary or prevent access.

- The farmer built a tall wooden fence to keep the cows from leaving the field.
- The property line was clearly demarcated by a rusted iron fence that had stood since the late nineteenth century.

### 2. stolen goods dealer

noun · CEFR C1 · Informal · Slang

a person who buys and sells stolen things.

For teachers: a person who receives and disposes of stolen goods as a middleman.

- The thief took the expensive watches to a fence in the city to get some cash.
- Police investigators tracked the stolen jewellery to a local fence who operated out of a legitimate-looking pawn shop.

### 3. to enclose

verb · CEFR B2

to put a fence around an area of land.

For teachers: to enclose or separate an area with a fence. Often used with the particle 'in' or 'off'.

- They decided to fence off the garden to protect the vegetables from rabbits.
- The construction crew had to fence off the entire site to ensure public safety during the demolition phase.

Usage: Often appears as the phrasal verbs 'fence in' or 'fence off'.

### 4. the sport

verb · CEFR B2

to fight with a long, thin sword as a sport.

For teachers: to engage in the sport of swordplay using a foil, épée, or sabre.

- She learned to fence when she was at university and joined the local club.
- The two athletes began to fence with incredible speed, their blades clashing in a series of rapid parries and lunges.

### 5. to avoid answering

verb · CEFR C2 · Formal · Literary

to avoid giving a direct answer to a question.

For teachers: to use evasive language or hedge when being questioned.

- The politician started to fence when the reporter asked about the missing money.
- During the cross-examination, the witness continued to fence with the lawyer, providing vague answers to avoid self-incrimination.

## Examples

- The farmer built a high wooden fence around the field.
- Our neighbors decided to paint their side of the fence white to match their garden furniture.
- While a low stone wall might serve as a decorative boundary, a chain-link fence is often necessary to provide the security required for industrial sites.

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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.