edge

The edge of something is where a flat surface ends. It usually forms a 90-degree angle going down, but not always. Take a look at this picture:

This girl is resting her arms on the edge of the table.

The word "edge" is often used as a noun:

• The little boy fell off the edge of his bed.
• Our cat likes to sit on the edge of the table.
• A razor has a very sharp edge.
• The edge of a knife is also sharp.
• A long time ago, people used to think that the world was flat and if they went too far, they would fall off the edge.
• The train depot is located on the edge of town. ("The edge of town" is the near the border or the city limits.)
• Powerful telescopes allow astronomers to see what the edge of the universe looks like.
• Alice has an edge over the other applicants for the position because she speaks three languages fluently. (To "have an edge" is to have an advantage over others.)
• Nate likes to live life on the edge. (To live on the edge is to do things that are dangerous, new, experimental, or challenging.)

You can also use "edge" as a verb in some idioms:

• Bill edged out the competition and won first prize. (edge out = win; beat slightly)
• We’re all on the edge of our seats awaiting the news. (on the edge of one’s seat = to anxiously wait for the outcome of something)
• The company is edging forward with its plans to build a new headquarters. (edge forward = move forward, go forward, move ahead but slowly.)

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This page was first published on January 9, 2012. It was updated on December 21, 2016.