selvage

noun

sel·​vage ˈsel-vij How to pronounce selvage (audio)
variants or selvedge
Synonyms of selvagenext
1
a
: the edge on either side of a woven or flat-knitted fabric so finished as to prevent raveling
specifically : a narrow border often of different or heavier threads than the fabric and sometimes in a different weave
b
: an edge (as of fabric or paper) meant to be cut off and discarded
2
: an outer or peripheral part : border, edge
selvaged adjective
or selvedged
ˈsel-vijd How to pronounce selvage (audio)

Examples of selvage 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.
Her name also appears centered atop the white selvage, also in violet. — Raven Brunner, People.com, 27 Mar. 2025 Staple fabrics such as selvage denim and cottons are par for the course but there’s also more unusual choices, like a beautiful linen fabric made in the Osaka area in the 17th or 18th century that Yagi found in an antique shop in Kyoto. — Lily Templeton, WWD, 16 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English selfegge, selvage, from self self + egge edge (after Middle Dutch selfegghe)

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of selvage was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

selva
selvage
selvagee
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Selvage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/selvage. Accessed 28 Apr. 2025.

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Kids Definition

selvage

noun
sel·​vage
variants or selvedge
ˈsel-vij How to pronounce selvage (audio)
: an edge of cloth so woven that it will not ravel

More from Merriam-Webster on selvage

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for selvage

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about selvage

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