Edging
'ɛdʒɪŋ
Definitions
3 meaningsThe process or result of forming an edge or border.
'ɛdʒɪŋ
The act of providing an edge or border.
The landscaper installed a stone edging along the walkway.
💡 Simply: Edging is like putting a neat border around something, like making a pretty frame for a picture or a clean line around a flower bed. It keeps things tidy and defines where one thing ends and another begins. It's what you do when you want the end to be perfect.
👶 For kids: Edging is like making a line around something, like a playground or a picture.
More Examples
The edging of the paper was carefully torn to give it a rustic look.
The subtle edging on the rug added a touch of elegance to the room.
How It's Used
"The gardener carefully trimmed the edging around the flower beds."
"The concrete edging provided a neat border for the patio."
To move slowly and carefully, often to get closer to something or to avoid something.
'ɛdʒɪŋ
To move or position oneself gradually or cautiously.
She was edging her chair closer to the fire to stay warm.
💡 Simply: Edging is when you're carefully moving closer to something, like inching your way to the edge of a pool or making a small, cautious step toward your crush to chat.
👶 For kids: Edging is like sneaking a little bit closer to something, like a cookie or a toy you really want.
More Examples
The car was edging forward in the slow-moving traffic.
The company is edging towards a merger with a competitor.
How It's Used
"The cat was edging closer to the bird feeder."
"He was edging towards a decision, weighing the pros and cons."
To furnish with or provide an edge or border.
'ɛdʒɪŋ
To provide an edge or border for something.
The landscapers were edging the lawn to give it a crisp, clean appearance.
💡 Simply: Edging, in this sense, is like putting a nice trim or border on something, like adding a decorative border to your garden beds or a nice edging on your favorite photo.
👶 For kids: Edging is making a line or border around something, like putting a fence around your house or making the border on your drawing.
More Examples
He carefully edged the photograph with a gold frame.
The tailor edged the coat with a velvet trim.
How It's Used
"They were edging the flowerbeds with bricks."
"The contractor was edging the pavement with concrete."
Idioms & expressions
edge of glory
A situation where something is on the verge of great success.
"The team was on the edge of glory when they made it to the finals."
living on the edge
Taking risks and living dangerously.
"He's living on the edge, always trying new extreme sports."
edge of your seat
Extremely excited or nervous, often in anticipation or suspense.
"The movie kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time."
From Middle English eggyng, gerund of eggen (“to urge, incite, provoke”), from Old English eggian (“to urge on, incite”), from Proto-Germanic *aggōjaną (“to urge on”), from Proto-Indo-European *h₂eǵʰ- (“to drive, impel”).
The term 'edging' was used historically to describe creating borders or trim. It has also been used metaphorically for incremental movements or advances.
Memory tip
Think of the 'edge' – edging is the act of making or adding to that edge.
Word Origin
"to drive"