Fringe
/frɪndʒ/
Definitions
3 meaningsA decorative border of threads, ropes, or other material, typically attached to the edge of a garment or fabric.
/frɪndʒ/
The outer, often ornamental, edge of something.
The dancer's costume included a long, flowing fringe.
💡 Simply: Imagine a scarf with those cool hanging threads at the bottom. That's fringe!
👶 For kids: It's like the fluffy stuff that hangs from the bottom of some clothes or curtains.
More Examples
The rug had a beautiful fringe around the perimeter.
How It's Used
"The jacket had a leather fringe along the bottom."
"She added a beaded fringe to the curtains."
The outer limits of an area or group; the people in a group who hold the most extreme views.
/frɪndʒ/
The edge or periphery of a group, activity, or field.
The fringe of the scientific community debated the controversial theory.
💡 Simply: It's like the people or ideas that are a little outside the normal or main group. Think of the 'alternative' section of a bookstore.
👶 For kids: It's like the outside edge of a group or what's a little different.
More Examples
The fringe of the movement held more extreme views.
How It's Used
"He belonged to the fringe of the political party."
"The artist's work was considered to be on the fringe of modern art."
To decorate or border something with fringe.
/frɪndʒ/
To decorate or border with fringe.
She fringed the hem of the dress.
💡 Simply: To put the dangly, thread-like stuff on something.
👶 For kids: To add the fluffy edges to something.
More Examples
They decided to fringe the curtains to match the rug.
How It's Used
"She fringed the scarf with colorful beads."
"The designer fringed the sleeves of the blouse."
Idioms & expressions
fringe benefits
Benefits offered by an employer beyond the normal salary (e.g., health insurance, pension).
"The company offers excellent fringe benefits, including paid vacation and a generous retirement plan."
fringe festival
A festival that promotes experimental art and performers outside the mainstream.
"The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is famous for showcasing a wide range of experimental performances."
From Old French *frenge* (a border of threads), ultimately from Latin *fimbria* (a fiber, a thread).
The word 'fringe' has been used since the 14th century, originally to describe decorative borders on clothing.
Memory tip
Think of the tassels on a shawl or the edges of a flag.
Word Origin
"Border of threads"