# verge

/ˈvɝdʒ/ (US) · /vˈɜːdʒ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/verge
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. about to happen

noun · CEFR B2

the point where you are very close to a new situation or state.

For teachers: the limit or threshold beyond which a particular state or condition is likely to occur.

- The company was on the verge of bankruptcy before the new investment arrived.
- Scientists believe the team is on the verge of a significant breakthrough that could revolutionise renewable energy storage.

Usage: Usually follows the pattern 'on the verge of' followed by a noun or gerund.

### 2. roadside edge

noun · CEFR B2 · British English

the narrow strip of grass or land at the side of a road.

For teachers: the grassy or unpaved margin bordering a road or path.

- He pulled the car onto the grass verge to check the map.
- Wildflowers often thrive on the roadside verge where the soil remains undisturbed by intensive agricultural machinery.

### 4. staff of office

noun · CEFR C2 · Formal · Technical

a decorative rod or stick carried by an official in a ceremony.

For teachers: a rod or staff carried as a symbol of office or authority, particularly in ecclesiastical contexts.

- The official carried a silver verge during the cathedral procession.
- The verger preceded the bishop, holding the ceremonial verge aloft to signal the start of the liturgy.

### 5. roof edge

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

the edge of a roof that hangs over the end wall of a building.

For teachers: the part of a roof that projects beyond the gable end of a building.

- Water was dripping from the verge of the roof because the tiles were loose.
- The architect specified a dry verge system to provide a weatherproof finish to the gable ends without the need for mortar.

## Examples

- The company is on the verge of success.
- Scientists believe they are on the verge of a major breakthrough that could cure the disease.
- The ancient stone path followed the very verge of the cliff, offering hikers a dizzying view of the crashing waves hundreds of feet below.

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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.