noun
Uncommon
fencing
FEHN-sihng
Fencing (noun) means the sport of duelling with swords under formal rules. Example: “He took up fencing in high school and still competes.”
noun
1
The sport of duelling with swords under formal rules.
"He took up fencing in high school and still competes."
2
Material used to build fences, or fences collectively.
"They bought enough fencing to enclose the whole paddock."
3
The criminal trade of buying and reselling stolen goods.
"Police linked him to a fencing operation running out of the warehouse."
How to use fencing
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither the Olympic sport of sword-fighting, or the physical material/act of building fences.
Common pairings
a fencing match
chain-link fencing
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Word forms
- Plural
- fencings
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He took up _____ in high school and still competes.
Etymology
Came from Middle English fensing, equivalent to fence + -ing.
Related words
Rhymes for fencing
See all rhymes for fencing →Frequently asked questions
What does “fencing” mean?
The word “fencing” means the sport of duelling with swords under formal rules. In plain terms, either the Olympic sport of sword-fighting, or the physical material/act of building fences.
How do you pronounce “fencing”?
“Fencing” is pronounced FEHN-sihng (/ˈfɛnsɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “fencing” in a sentence?
Here is “fencing” used in a sentence: “He took up fencing in high school and still competes.”
What part of speech is “fencing”?
“Fencing” is a noun.
Is “fencing” a common word?
“Fencing” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “fencing” have?
“Fencing” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the sport of duelling with swords under formal rules.
What is the difference between fencing the sport and fencing the material?
Fencing as a sport refers to duelling with swords under formal competitive rules, an activity practiced at the Olympics. Fencing as material refers to the fences, or the panels and posts used to build them, collectively used to enclose an area, and the two meanings are otherwise unrelated.
What does fencing mean in criminal slang?
In criminal slang, fencing refers to the trade of buying and reselling stolen goods, and a person who does this is called a fence. This sense is distinct from both the sport and the physical barrier meanings.
Is fencing an Olympic sport?
Yes, fencing is an Olympic sport involving duelling with swords such as the foil, épée, or sabre under formal competitive rules. It is one of the few sports to have been included in every modern Olympic Games.
