fence
6 ENTRIES FOUND:
plural
fences
plural
fences
Britannica Dictionary definition of FENCE
[count]
1
:
a structure like a wall built outdoors usually of wood or metal that separates two areas or prevents people or animals from entering or leaving
—
see picture at house;
see also chain-link fence
-
We put up a fence around our yard.
2
informal
:
a person who buys stolen property from thieves and sells it
mend fences
on the fence
:
unable to decide about something
-
He tried to persuade those still (sitting) on the fence to vote in his favor.
the grass is always greener on the other side (of the fence)
— fenceless
adjective
2
fence
/ˈfɛns/
verb
fences;
fenced;
fencing
2
fence
/ˈfɛns/
verb
fences;
fenced;
fencing
Britannica Dictionary definition of FENCE
1
[+ object]
a
:
to put a fence around (a place or area)
-
They've decided to fence (in) the yard.
-
She fenced (off) a corner of the property to use as a garden.
-
a house with a fenced-in yard
b
:
to keep (something or someone) in or out with a fence
-
He fenced (in) the sheep so they wouldn't wander too far.
2
[no object]
:
to fight with swords
:
to practice the art or sport of fencing
— sometimes used figuratively
-
candidates fencing with each other in their televised debates
3
[+ object]
informal
:
to sell (stolen property) to someone who buys and sells stolen property as an illegal business
:
to sell (stolen property) to a fence
-
He stole watches and fenced them on the street.
— fencer
noun, plural fencers [count]-
A skilled fencer advances as his opponent retreats.
