Definition
The outer or less important edge of an area, group, or activity. Can also refer to a decorative border of hanging threads.
Example
She sat on the fringe of the crowd, watching quietly.
Show translation
She sat on the outer edge of the crowd, watching quietly.
Etymology
From Old French *frenge*, from Vulgar Latin *frimbia*, a metathesis of Latin *fimbriae* meaning "fibres, threads, fringe." By the 16th century, English extended the sense from a literal fabric border to any figurative outer edge or margin.
Cultural note
In British English, "fringe" also refers to hair cut straight across the forehead (called "bangs" in American English). The Edinburgh Festival Fringe — the world's largest arts festival — takes its name from performances that literally appeared on the *fringe* of the official Edinburgh International Festival in 1947. "Fringe benefits" (perks beyond a salary) is another high-frequency compound worth noting.