Fringe Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary (original) (raw)

Britannica Dictionary definition of FRINGE

1

[count]

:

a border made of hanging threads used to decorate the edge of something (such as clothing, rugs, and curtains)

• a lampshade with a fringe

2

[count]

:

a narrow area along the edge of something

• a fringe of moss around the tree

— often plural

• Scientists were measuring temperatures at the outer fringes of the atmosphere.

3

[singular]

:

an area of activity that is related to but not part of whatever is central or most widely accepted

• a party on the political fringe

:

a group of people with extreme views or unpopular opinions

• the conservative/liberal fringe

— often used before another noun

• a fringe topic
• published in a fringe journal
• fringe theater
• the fringe element
• fringe activists

— see also lunatic fringe

4

[count]

British

:

the front section of hair cut short and worn over the forehead

:

bangs

— usually singular

• She wears her hair in a fringe.

on the fringe(s)

:

on the outer edge of something

• They lived on the fringe of the forest.

— often used figuratively

• He has been working for years on the fringes of the entertainment industry.

Britannica Dictionary definition of FRINGE

[+ object]

1

:

to decorate (something) with a fringe

• a fringed leather vest

2

:

to go along or around (something)

• A jungle fringed the shore.