Border — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb /ˈbȯr-dər/ bor·der

Meaning & Definition of Border

Border (noun)

  1. an outer part or edge
  2. an ornamental design at the edge of a fabric or rug
  3. a narrow bed of planted ground along the edge of a lawn or walkway

Border (verb)

  1. to put a border on
  2. to touch at the edge or boundary, bound
  3. to lie on the border

Border (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. the line or relatively narrow space that marks the outer limit of something

    "a rug with a fancily embroidered border"

    similar: borderline, bound, boundary, brim, circumference, compass, confines, edge, edging, end, frame, fringe, hem, margin, perimeter, periphery, rim, skirt, skirting, verge
    related: ambit, brink, crest, curb, cusp, lip, ceiling, maximum, demarcation, extent, limitation, measure, mere, restriction, termination, borderland, frontier, march, outskirts, pale, selvage, lap, shore
    near: center, core, heart, inner, inside, interior, middle, within

  2. a region along the dividing line between two countries

    "people who live on an international border get used to carrying a passport"

    similar: borderland, frontier, march
    related: no-man's-land

Border (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to serve as a border for

    "that velvet bordered the sleeves on this shirt, until it fell off"

    similar: bound, edge, frame, fringe, margin, rim, skirt
    related: hem, trim, circumscribe, define, delineate, demarcate, outline, silhouette, sketch, trace, circle, compass, encircle, enclose, environ, girdle, girth, loop, ring, round, surround, wall, check, confine, control, curb, limit, restrain, restrict

Related Entry: Border (on) (verb)

Border (on) is a different word from Border. The synonyms below are for border (on), not for border.

  1. to come very close to being

    "that comment borders on insubordination, and you should be more careful in the future"

    similar: touch (on), trench (on), verge (on)
    related: approach, near, appear, look, resemble, seem, suggest, approximate, compare (with), measure up (to), stack up (against or with)

  2. to be adjacent to

    "that state borders on three others"

    similar: abut, adjoin, butt (on or against), flank, fringe, join, march (with), neighbor, skirt, touch, verge (on)
    related: attach (to), communicate (with), connect (with), link (with), bound, embrace, encircle, enclose, fence, line, margin, rim, surround, contact, converge, meet

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Border

The most common words with a similar meaning to Border:

borderline, bound, boundary, brim, circumference, compass, confines, edge, edging, end, frame, fringe, hem, margin, perimeter, periphery, rim, skirt, skirting, verge, borderland, frontier, march

Related Words for Border

ambit, brink, crest, curb, cusp, lip, ceiling, maximum, demarcation, extent, limitation, measure, mere, restriction, termination, outskirts, pale, selvage, lap, shore, no-man's-land, trim, circumscribe, define, delineate, demarcate, outline, silhouette, sketch, trace

Near Antonyms of Border

center, core, heart, inner, inside, interior, middle, within

Word Forms of Border

Inflections: bordered, bordering

Derived words: bordered (adjective), borderer (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Border

Middle English bordure, from Anglo-French, from border to border, from Old French bort border, of Germanic origin; probably akin to Old English bord board

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Border

Words & Phrases Containing Border

border collie, border terrier, border on, brush border, herbaceous border, the border

Frequently Asked Questions about Border

What does "Border" mean?

"Border" means an outer part or edge. As an a noun and a verb, it is defined as: an outer part or edge. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Border"?

Other words for "Border" include borderline, bound, boundary, brim, circumference, compass, confines and edge. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Border" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Border"?

There are 70 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Border". Common alternatives include borderline, bound, boundary, brim, circumference, compass, confines, edge, edging and end.

How do you use "Border" in a sentence?

Examples of "Border" in a sentence: "a rug with a fancily embroidered border"; "people who live on an international border get used to carrying a passport"; "that velvet bordered the sleeves on this shirt, until it fell off".

Is "Border" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Border" can be used as a noun and a verb, depending on the context.

Is "Border" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B1-level word, "Border" is typical of Cambridge B1 Preliminary (PET), IELTS band 4.0–5.0, TOEFL iBT 42–71, PTE Academic 43–58, TOEIC Listening & Reading 550+.

How do you pronounce "Border"?

"Border" is pronounced /ˈbȯr-dər/ and divided into syllables as bor·der.

What is the origin of the word "Border"?

"Border" comes from Middle English bordure, from Anglo-French, from border to border, from Old French bort border, of Germanic origin; probably akin to Old English bord board. First known use: 14th century.