fencing

1 of 2

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

fencing

2 of 2

present participle of fence entry 2

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.
Noun
Upon arrival, the imposing razor wire, high fencing, and unmistakable sound of the gate locking behind them are stark signs that a prison sentence has begun. — Scott Peyton, Washington Post, 8 Oct. 2026 Up until 1950, Señorita Rio uses her expert marksmanship, fencing skills, and keen intellect to fight Axis powers across South America. — Gaby Iori october 7, Literary Hub, 7 Oct. 2026 But where will the kids who discover fencing or wrestling or track during the LA Games play in college? — ABC News, 30 Sep. 2026 Ron Hernandez, coach and vice president of Metro Little League, said the city locked up the dugouts and installed some metal fencing to prevent access to the baseball fields. — Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fencing

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

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 14 Oct. 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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about fencing

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