edge

The edge is defined as the outside edge of an area, the sharp end of something or to a point right before something happens.

(noun)

An example of edge is the perimeter of the yard right before where you put your fence.
An example of edge is the area right before a cliff begins.
An example of edge is the sharp side of a knife.
An example of edge is the time right before you fall in love.

To edge is defined as to give something a border or to slowly move in a specific direction.

(verb)

See edge in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

the thin, sharp, cutting part of a blade
the quality of being sharp or keen
the projecting ledge or brink, as of a cliff
the part farthest from the middle; line where something begins or ends; border, or part nearest the border; margin
the verge or brink, as of a condition
an intense, harsh, or irritable quality: his voice had a distinct edge
Geom. a line or line segment at which two plane surfaces meet
☆ Informal advantage: you have an edge on me
Informal the quality of being edgy (sense )

Origin: ME egge < OE ecg, akin to ON egg, Ger ecke, corner < IE base *ak-, sharp: see acid

transitive verb edged, edging

1. to form or put an edge on; provide an edge for
2. to trim the edge of
to make (one's way) sideways, as through a crowd
to move gradually or cautiously
Informal to defeat in a contest by a narrow margin: often with out
☆ Skiing to tilt (a ski) so that one edge bites into the snow, as in traversing a slope

intransitive verb

Related Forms:

See edge in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

a. A thin, sharpened side, as of the blade of a cutting instrument.
b. The degree of sharpness of a cutting blade.
c. A penetrating, incisive quality: “His simplicity sets off the satire, and gives it a finer edge” (William Hazlitt).
d. A slight but noticeable sharpness or harshness: His voice had an edge to it.
Keenness, as of desire or enjoyment; zest: The brisk walk gave an edge to my appetite.
a. The line of intersection of two surfaces: the edge of a brick; the table's rounded edges.
b. A rim or brink: the edge of a cliff.
c. The point at which something is likely to begin: on the edge of war.
a. The area or part away from the middle; an extremity: lifted the carpet's edge.
b. A dividing line; a border: a house on the edge of town. See Synonyms at border.
A margin of superiority; an advantage: a slight edge over the opposition.
A provocative or discomforting quality, as from audacity or innovativeness: “Over all, the show will have a grittier edge” (Constance C.R. White).

verb edged edged, edg·ing, edg·es

verb, transitive

a. To give an edge to (a blade); sharpen.
b. To tilt (a ski or both skis) in such a way that an edge or both edges bite into the snow.
a. To put a border or edge on: edged the quilt with embroidery.
b. To act as or be an edge of: bushes that edged the garden path.
To advance or push slightly or gradually: The dog edged the ball with its nose.
To trim or shape the edge of: edge a lawn.
To surpass or beat by a small margin. Often used with out: The runner edged her opponent out at the last moment.