edge

edge [edʒ]

NOUN

1.[NOUN] [usu with supp] The edge of something is the place or line where it stops, or the part of it that is furthest from the middle.

We were on a hill, right on the edge of town.

She was standing at the water's edge.

2.[NOUN] [usu with supp] The edge of something sharp such as a knife or an axe is its sharp or narrow side.

the sharp edge of the sword.

3.[NOUN] [usu the N of n] The edge of something, especially something bad, is the point at which it may start to happen.

They have driven the rhino to the edge of extinction.

= verge, brink

4.[NOUN] [oft N over n, N in n/-ing] If someone or something has an edge, they have an advantage that makes them stronger or more likely to be successful than another thing or person.

The three days France have to prepare could give them the edge over England.

Through superior production techniques they were able to gain the competitive edge.

= advantage

5.[NOUN] [a N] If you say that someone or something has an edge, you mean that they have a powerful quality.

Featuring new bands gives the show an edge.

Greene's stories had an edge of realism.

6.[NOUN] [oft N of n, N to n] If someone's voice has an edge to it, it has a sharp, bitter, or emotional quality.

But underneath the humour is an edge of bitterness.

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VERB

1.[VERB] If someone or something edges somewhere, they move very slowly in that direction.

He edged closer to the telephone, ready to grab it.