fencing

noun

fenc·​ing ˈfen(t)-siŋ How to pronounce fencing (audio)
Synonyms of fencingnext
1
: the art or practice of attack and defense with the foil, épée, or saber
2
a(1)
: fence sense 2a
(2)
: the fences of a property or region
b
: material used for building fences

Examples of fencing in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Visitors arriving to celebrate the occasion have found a city full of cranes, scaffolding, and fencing. — Antonia Hitchens, New Yorker, 3 July 2026 For visitors, that means some temporary detours and construction fencing now, but a more immersive experience in the years ahead. — Gabby Sartori, USA Today, 6 July 2026 The machine is designed for shade nets but can also produce insect-protection, wind-protection and fencing applications. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 2 July 2026 But racetrack designers in the late 1960s paid scant attention to safety features, and the corners were mostly lined with Armco fencing. — Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for fencing

Word History

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of fencing was in 1578

Rhymes for fencing

See All Rhymes for fencing

Browse Nearby Words

fencible
fencing
fencing patent
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Cite this Entry

“Fencing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fencing. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

fencing

noun
fenc·​ing
1
: the art or practice of attack and defense with a sword
2
: material for fences

More from Merriam-Webster on fencing

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for fencing

Nglish: Translation of fencing for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about fencing

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