# fringe

/ˈfɹɪndʒ/ (US) · /fɹˈɪndʒ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/fringe
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. decorative border

noun · CEFR B2

a decorative border of hanging threads on clothing or curtains.

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

- The velvet curtains were finished with a gold fringe along the bottom.
- 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. hair over the forehead

noun · CEFR B1 · British English

hair that is cut to hang down over your forehead.

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

- She decided to cut a fringe to change her look for the summer.
- The stylist suggested a blunt fringe to frame her face, though she warned it would require frequent trimming to maintain its shape.

Teaching tip: In American English, this is almost always called 'bangs'.

### 3. the outer edge

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

- They live on the northern fringe of the city, where the countryside begins.
- The research focused on communities living on the urban fringe, where access to public services is often limited compared to the city center.

### 6. not mainstream

adjective · CEFR B2

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

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

- He was often criticized for his fringe scientific theories.
- The candidate struggled to gain traction because his platform was built on fringe issues that did not resonate with the average voter.

### 7. to border

verb · CEFR C2 · Literary

to form a border around something.

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

- Tall pine trees fringe the edge of the lake.
- 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').

## Examples

- He lives on the rural fringe of the city.
- The candidate's views were once considered part of the political fringe, but they are now gaining mainstream support.
- While the festival's main stage hosts famous acts, the fringe events often provide a more experimental and intimate experience for dedicated fans of the genre.

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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.