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fence

fence

567 1.0
A structure around land to mark or protect it
  • noun
  • /fɛns/
translation icon : cerca
  • The entire lodge was enclosed within a fence, with bars of inch-thick steel.
  • build fences
  • a wooden fence
  • a picket fence

You're outside and with a chain link fence in a horseshoe.

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Examples

  • And it had a fence that was metal bars.

  • The Americans had discovered the hole in the fence and repaired it carefully.

    Academic text (2008)
  • A few feet beyond him, there was a twelve-foot-high fence made of posts with netting.

    Fiction book (1990)
  • The farmer built a wooden fence to keep the cows from wandering off.

  • We planted flowers right next to the fence that surrounds our garden.

  • The old fence had fallen down, so we need to replace it before the dogs escape.

Synonyms

wall
vsfence
1.0

A vertical structure that divides or surrounds an area, like part of a building

is the general enclosure structure rather than a specific construction
hedge
vsfence
44 2.0

A row of closely planted bushes that forms a low natural fence

is the general enclosure structure rather than a specific construction
picket fence
vsfence
23 2.0

A row of upright wooden or metal boards with spaces that mark the edge of a yard

is the general enclosure structure rather than a specific construction
fencing
vsfence
23 2.7

Materials like wood or wire used to make a barrier around land

is the general enclosure structure rather than a specific construction
stone wall
vsfence
20 2.7

A low fence made by stacking rough stones to mark boundaries or keep animals out

is the general enclosure structure rather than a specific construction
hedgerow
vsfence
5 5.9

A row of bushes planted close together that makes a low fence between fields or beside a road

is the general enclosure structure rather than a specific construction
palisade
vsfence
2 9.0

A strong fence of upright wooden or metal posts used for protection

is the general enclosure structure rather than a specific construction
rail fence
vsfence
  • US
1 4.3

A fence made of long wooden rails laid in a zigzag to keep animals in

is the general enclosure structure rather than a specific construction
chainlink fence
vsfence
1 2.4

A wire fence with diamond-shaped holes used to surround yards or sports fields

is the general enclosure structure rather than a specific construction
Virginia fence
vsfence
  • US
8.3

A wooden fence made of rails laid in a zigzag pattern without posts

is the general enclosure structure rather than a specific construction
slate fence
vsfence
8.4

A fence made from vertical flat pieces of slate wired together

is the general enclosure structure rather than a specific construction
mud fence
vsfence
8.5

A low wall made of mud that surrounds and protects an area

is the general enclosure structure rather than a specific construction

Idioms

on the fence
  • Informal
30 4.8

Not decided about which side to take or what to do

To decide to do something difficult and not stop

Compounds

23 2.0

A row of upright wooden or metal boards with spaces that mark the edge of a yard

5 2.0

A line made by a fence that shows the edge of a field or property

An idea of a comfortable, safe family life in a house near a city

fence-sitter
  • Informal
2 6.8

A person who does not take sides in an argument

1 4.3

A fence made of long wooden rails laid in a zigzag to keep animals in

A wire fence with diamond-shaped holes used to surround yards or sports fields

1 2.8

A long narrow piece of wood that sits across posts to make a barrier

1 4.8

A fence made from split logs stacked horizontally in a zigzag

dadburn fence
  • Archaic
9.9

A fence that causes trouble or annoyance

eastern fence lizard
  • Specialized
6.8

A small active lizard from eastern North America that often sits in the sun on fences or rocks

7.2

A small animal with scaly skin and a long tail that sits on fences or rocks in the US

fence mending
  • Literature
6.2

Improving a damaged relationship between people or groups

fence charger
  • Specialized
7.1

A machine that sends electricity through a fence to shock animals or people who touch it

fence energizer
  • Specialized
6.8

A machine that sends electricity along a fence so it gives animals a small shock

8.5

A low wall made of mud that surrounds and protects an area

A small tree grown as a fence with groups of yellow-white flowers

9.9

A ditch with one side formed by a low wall that divides land without blocking the view

A fence that bends down in the middle

A fence made from vertical flat pieces of slate wired together

7.2

A low wooden rail barrier that forms a zigzag pattern to mark or enclose land

A low wooden fence made of rails in a zigzag that marks a border

A wooden fence made of rails laid in a zigzag pattern without posts

western fence lizard
  • Specialized
8.1

A common scaly reptile in western North America that basks on rocks and logs

worm fence
  • Archaic
9.1

A fence made of wooden rails laid in a zigzag pattern

How Secure

stone wall
20 2.7
fence
567 1.0
picket fence
23 2.0

Surface Forms

fence singular
fences plural

Etymology

Fence comes from the same root as defence, which is from the idea 'to defend' or 'protect'. So a fence is literally a 'defence' or barrier that protects and marks the edge of a place.