chain-link fence: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Intermediate FrequencyEveryday, Technical, Descriptive
Quick answer
What does “chain-link fence” mean?
A type of fence made from a galvanized or coated steel wire woven into a diamond pattern and attached to metal posts, used for security, boundaries, and enclosures.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of fence made from a galvanized or coated steel wire woven into a diamond pattern and attached to metal posts, used for security, boundaries, and enclosures.
Can metaphorically represent barriers, division, security, or confinement.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Term is identical and standard in both varieties. Occasionally called 'wire netting fence' or 'mesh fence' in UK informal contexts, but 'chain-link fence' is fully understood.
Connotations
In both, it connotes practicality, industrial or public spaces, and moderate security. It is not decorative.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English due to its common use in residential, sports, and industrial contexts. Equally standard in UK English.
Grammar
How to Use “chain-link fence” in a Sentence
They installed a chain-link fence around the perimeter.The compound was protected by a high chain-link fence topped with barbed wire.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chain-link fence” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We need to chain-link fence the entire playing field to prevent trespassing.
American English
- The city council voted to chain-link fence the vacant lot.
adjective
British English
- The chain-link fencing material was delivered this morning.
- It's a chain-link enclosure.
American English
- We're looking at chain-link fence options for the backyard.
- He installed a chain-link fence gate.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In facilities management, logistics, or property development for discussing site security and boundaries. 'We need to budget for replacing the chain-link fence around the warehouse yard.'
Academic
Rare in formal academic writing, but may appear in sociology/urban studies (e.g., 'symbols of division like chain-link fences') or materials engineering contexts.
Everyday
Common when discussing home gardens, school yards, sports fields, or public parks. 'The dog keeps digging under the chain-link fence.'
Technical
Used in construction, landscaping, and security industries, specifying gauge of wire, mesh size, coating, and height.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “chain-link fence”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “chain-link fence”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chain-link fence”
- Incorrect hyphenation: 'chain link-fence'. It is a single compound modifier before a noun, best hyphenated as 'chain-link fence'. Spacing: 'chain link fence' (common but less standard than hyphenated). Using 'wire fence' as a perfect synonym (wire fence can be simpler strands, not necessarily mesh).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a compound noun, typically written with hyphens as 'chain-link fence', especially when used as a modifier before a noun. The unhyphenated 'chain link fence' is also very common.
A 'chain-link fence' is a specific type of wire fence made from a woven steel mesh in a diamond pattern. A 'wire fence' is a broader term that can include simpler constructions like strands of wire between posts (e.g., barbed wire fence).
Yes, frequently. For example: 'chain-link enclosure', 'chain-link fencing material', 'chain-link gate'. In this use, it is almost always hyphenated.
It provides a visible barrier and deters casual trespassing but is not highly secure on its own as it can be cut or climbed easily. Security is often enhanced by adding barbed wire, privacy slats, or concrete foundations.
A type of fence made from a galvanized or coated steel wire woven into a diamond pattern and attached to metal posts, used for security, boundaries, and enclosures.
Chain-link fence is usually everyday, technical, descriptive in register.
Chain-link fence: in British English it is pronounced /ˌtʃeɪn lɪŋk ˈfens/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌtʃeɪn lɪŋk ˈfɛns/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a bicycle CHAIN made of LINKS, flattened and woven into a FENCE.
Conceptual Metaphor
BARRIERS ARE PHYSICAL OBSTRUCTIONS (e.g., 'a chain-link fence of bureaucracy'). SECURITY IS ENCLOSURE. DIVISION IS A WALL/FENCE.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary material and structure of a chain-link fence?