fencing

fencing — noun

1. fences that are built around a piece of land to mark or protect it, or the mater

1.nounB1
Definition

fences that are built around a piece of land to mark or protect it, or the materials such as wood, metal, or wire that are used to build them.

Example

The old wooden fencing around the garden collapsed after the heavy rain.

collocation: wooden fencing / wire fencing

Yael bought rolls of wire fencing to keep the chickens inside the yard.

Common collocations
  • wooden fencing
  • wire fencing
  • metal fencing
  • electric fencing
  • garden fencing
  • boundary fencing
  • security fencing
Synonyms
  • fence

    countable; refers to one complete barrier rather than fencing as a material or system

  • barrier

    broader term; includes walls, gates, or any obstacle blocking passage

  • enclosure

    emphasises the area that is surrounded rather than the fence itself

  • railing

    specifically a barrier made of horizontal bars supported by posts, often on a balcony or stairs

Usage Note

Used as an uncountable noun — you cannot say 'a fencing' for a single fence structure. To refer to one barrier, use 'a fence'.

Common Mistakes

They put up a new fencing around the school.
They put up new fencing around the school.
'fencing' is uncountable; do not use 'a' before it.

2. a competitive sport where two opponents use lightweight metal blades to try to h

2.nounB1
Definition

a competitive sport where two opponents use lightweight metal blades to try to hit each other, and a judge counts the touches that follow the rules of the competition.

Example

Élise has been practising fencing every weekend since she joined the club.

collocation: practise fencing / do fencing

Rodrigo won a silver medal in fencing at the national youth competition.

Common collocations
  • fencing team
  • fencing club
  • fencing match
  • fencing competition
  • fencing equipment
  • fencing mask
  • fencing glove
  • fencing sword
Synonyms
  • sword fighting

    more general term; may refer to historical combat rather than the modern regulated sport

  • foil fencing

    specific to one of three weapon types in the sport

Usage Note

The sport is uncountable — say 'fencing is a fast sport', not 'fencings are fast'. The person who does it is a 'fencer', and the swords used are 'foils', 'épées', or 'sabres' depending on the weapon category.

Common Mistakes

Fencings are popular in Europe and Asia.
Fencing is popular in Europe and Asia.
'fencing' is uncountable and takes a singular verb.

Word family

  • fence
    nounA2
  • fence
    verbB1
  • fencer
    nounB2
  • fenced
    adjectiveB2
  • unfenced
    adjectiveC1

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

These words all describe structures that block or mark a boundary, but differ in scope and use. 'Fence' (B1, countable) is the most common everyday word for a single barrier made of wood, metal, or wire, such as around a garden or school. 'Fencing' is the uncountable equivalent — it refers to the system, materials, or collective fences on a property ('The fencing around the estate needs repairs'). 'Barrier' (B2) is broader: it includes walls, gates, cones, and even abstract obstacles ('a language barrier'), so it lacks the specific fence-construction meaning. 'Railing' (B2) describes a barrier of horizontal bars, typically on stairs, balconies, or bridges — not used for garden boundaries. 'Enclosure' (B2) focuses on the surrounded area rather than the barrier itself; a zoo might build an enclosure for animals. 'Screening' (C1) describes lightweight, often semi-transparent fencing used for privacy (e.g., bamboo screening). Choose 'fencing' when talking about the overall property boundary or the material; use 'fence' for one specific barrier.

fence ↗barrier ↗railing ↗enclosure ↗screening ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

  • wooden fencing
  • wire fencing
  • metal fencing
  • chain-link fencing
  • security fencing
  • boundary fencing
  • garden fencing
  • electric fencing

Phrases

  • a roll of fencing
  • a section of fencing
  • a stretch of fencing

Prepositions

  • fencing around
  • fencing along
  • fencing between

Etymology

LatinOld FrenchMiddle EnglishEnglish

The word 'fencing' comes from 'fence', which is a shortening of 'defence' (from the idea of a barrier that defends an area). 'Fence' traces back through Middle English 'fens' and Old French 'defens', both meaning 'defense', to Latin 'defensa' — the past participle of 'defendere' (to ward off). The sport sense developed around the 1580s, when sword-fighting for self-defence became a formalised competitive activity. Both senses — the physical barrier and the sword sport — share the core idea of protection: one protects land, the other taught self-defence.