Fencing is a European sword-fighting technique which developed during the Renaissance (ca. 15th century AD) made use of long, light blades (especially rapier and sabre) and knives (including daggers, stilettos, and main gauches). In combat situations, fencers often fought "in the round" (i.e. not confining themselves to the imaginary straight line utilized by modern fencers).

Modern-day fencing makes use of much lighter, springier weapons with capped tips (to keep them comparatively safe); these include the foil and the epee.