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Meaning & use

fence

noun, verb·Everyday

Last updated

UK/fɛns/
US/fɛns/

Meanings

  1. nouncountable

    A barrier made of wood, wire, or metal that surrounds or marks the edge of an area.

    Grammar: Countable; use 'a fence' or 'fences'.

    Patterns

    • a fence
    • the fence
    • fences

    The garden is surrounded by a wooden fence.

    They built a fence to keep the dog in the yard.

    The fence marks the boundary between the two properties.

  2. verbtransitive

    To put a fence around an area of land.

    Grammar: Takes an object: fence the yard.

    Patterns

    • fence something
    • fence something in
    • fence something off

    They fenced the garden to keep rabbits out.

    The farmer fenced the field with wire.

    We need to fence the pool area for safety.

  3. verbintransitivesport

    To take part in the sport of fighting with thin swords called foils or épées.

    Grammar: No object; often used in the sport context.

    Patterns

    • fence with someone
    • fence against someone

    She learned to fence at university.

    He fenced against the champion and won.

    They fence every Tuesday at the club.

Word forms

pluralfences
third person singularfences
past tensefenced
past participlefenced
-ing formfencing

Common combinations

chain-link fence
The playground has a chain-link fence around it.
sit on the fence
He won't take sides; he prefers to sit on the fence.
fence off
They fenced off the construction site.
fence in
The sheep were fenced in for the night.
picket fence
The house has a white picket fence.

Synonyms and how they differ

barrier
A general word for anything that blocks movement; a fence is a specific type of barrier, usually outdoors.
railing
A railing is a fence-like structure, often metal, used on stairs or balconies; a fence is usually on the ground.

Word family

fencing noun
The sport of fighting with swords, or the material used for fences.
fencer noun
A person who takes part in the sport of fencing.

Commonly confused: fence or fens?

fence vs fens

Fens are low, marshy areas; 'fence' is a barrier. They sound similar but are different words.

Practice

Which sentence uses 'fence' correctly as a verb meaning 'to enclose'?

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