ENGLISH
REFERENCE

fringe

n. · adj. · v.
US //ˈfɹɪndʒ// UK //fɹˈɪndʒ// fringe
  1. 1 decorative border (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a decorative border of hanging threads on clothing or curtains.

    an ornamental border consisting of short lengths of hanging thread, cord, or tassels.

    Example

    The velvet curtains were finished with a gold fringe along the bottom.

    Example

    The designer added a delicate silk fringe to the hem of the shawl, giving the garment a sense of movement when the model walked.
  2. 2 hair over the forehead (n.)
    B1 Intermediate British English

    hair that is cut to hang down over your forehead.

    a hairstyle where the front part of the hair is cut straight across the forehead.

    Example

    She decided to cut a fringe to change her look for the summer.

    Example

    The stylist suggested a blunt fringe to frame her face, though she warned it would require frequent trimming to maintain its shape.

    Teacher's tip

    In American English, this is almost always called 'bangs'.
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  1. 3 the outer edge (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the outer edge or border of an area or a group.

    the peripheral or marginal part of an area, activity, or social group.

    Example

    They live on the northern fringe of the city, where the countryside begins.

    Example

    The research focused on communities living on the urban fringe, where access to public services is often limited compared to the city center.
  2. 4 not mainstream (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    describing something that is not part of the main or most popular group.

    pertaining to or being part of a marginal or extreme group or activity.

    Example

    He was often criticized for his fringe scientific theories.

    Example

    The candidate struggled to gain traction because his platform was built on fringe issues that did not resonate with the average voter.
  3. 5 to border (v.)
    C2 Proficiency Literary

    to form a border around something.

    to serve as a border or edge for something; to decorate with a fringe.

    Example

    Tall pine trees fringe the edge of the lake.

    Example

    A line of ancient oaks fringed the meadow, casting long, jagged shadows across the grass as the sun began to set.

    Usage

    Often used in the passive voice or as a participial adjective (e.g., 'fringed with').
Origin

From Middle English frenge, from Old French frenge, from Vulgar Latin *frimbia, a metathesis of Latin fimbriae (“fibers, threads, fringe”, plural), of uncertain origin. Compare German Franse and Danish frynse. Displaced native Middle English fnæd (“fringe”), Middle English byrd (“fringe”), Middle English fasel (“fringe”) from Old English fæs (“fringe”), and Old English fnæs (“fringe”). Doublet of fimbria.

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