WordGarden.ioedge
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /ˈɛdʒ/
US
- /ˈɛdʒ/
Meanings
Noun
the outer limit, border, or side of something
the sharpened cutting side of a blade or tool
a slight advantage over others
More meaningsFewer meanings
a tense, nervous, or sharply unpleasant quality
the outer part of a computer network where data is handled near users or devices
Verb
to move slowly or carefully in a direction
Beyond the definition
The edge of something is its border—think the edge of a cliff or the edge of a page. But "edge" can also mean having an advantage over someone else ("She has an edge in the competition") or being on the verge of something dangerous ("He was walking on the edge"). It's all about limits and boundaries, both physical and metaphorical.
Think of a knife's edge—sharp and clear. Or consider standing on the edge of a decision, unsure which way to go. The word can be a noun (the cliff edge), a verb (to edge closer), or part of an adjective (a cutting-edge design). Shakespeare also used "edge" to describe the sharpness of a person's spirit or desire, famously referring to the "edge of appetite."
The word "edge" is surprisingly versatile. At its most basic, it refers to the line or boundary where something ends—the edge of a forest, the edge of a table, or being on the edge of your seat when you're nervous! This physical sense is easy to grasp; you can literally touch an edge.
But "edge" goes beyond just physical boundaries. It also describes a position of advantage. If someone has an edge in a competition, they possess a quality that makes them more likely to succeed—perhaps skill, experience, or luck. "The team had the edge going into the final quarter."
"Edge" can also imply danger or risk. To be "on the edge" means to be close to losing control or facing a difficult situation ("He was living on the edge, taking reckless risks"). This sense of precariousness is often used metaphorically—for instance, when your nerves are "on edge," meaning you feel tense, sharp, or irritable.
As a verb, to edge means to move gradually and carefully toward something ("She edged closer to the microphone"). It suggests caution and deliberate, incremental movement. You might also hear about "cutting-edge" technology, meaning it is at the very forefront of innovation, like the sharp edge of a blade.
So, whether you're talking about physical boundaries, competitive advantages, risky situations, or gradual movements, the word "edge" is all about limits, boundaries, and being on the cusp of something new… or dangerous.
Examples
- 1
Page position
She wrote her name at the edge of the page.
- 2
Lake shore
We stood at the edge of the lake and watched the sun go down.
- 3
Business advantage
The new model gives the company an edge over its competitors.
- Patternhave an edge over + person/group
have an advantage over them
- 4
Voice tone
His voice had a hard edge after their argument.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Nervous feeling
I've been on edge all morning, waiting for the test results.
- Phraseon edge
nervous or tense
- 6
Pain relief
A hot shower helped take the edge off the pain.
- Phrasetake the edge off
make something less strong
- 7
Competitive advantage
After months away from racing, she had lost her competitive edge.
- Phrasecompetitive edge
an advantage that helps you perform better than others
- 8
Slow increase
Prices have edged higher since January.
- Phraseedge higher
rise slowly
- 9
Careful movement
She edged past the sleeping dog and opened the door quietly.
- Patternedge past + person/thing
move slowly and carefully past it
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- edgenounverb
Forms
- edgespluralnounverb
- edgedpast tenseverbnoun
- edging-ing formverbnoun