periphery

noun

pe·​riph·​ery pə-ˈri-f(ə-)rē 

plural peripheries

1

: the perimeter of a circle or other closed curve

also : the perimeter of a polygon

2

: the external boundary or surface of a body

3

a

: the outward bounds of something as distinguished from its internal regions or center : confines

b

: an area lying beyond the strict limits of a thing

Synonyms

• border
• borderline
• bound
• boundary
• brim
• circumference
• compass
• confines
• edge
• edging
• end
• frame
• fringe
• hem
• margin
• perimeter
• rim
• skirt
• skirting
• verge

Examples of periphery in a Sentence

the dogs are confined by an invisible electronic fence that runs along the periphery of the yard

Recent Examples on the Web

On this side, a sub-dial at 6 o’clock shows off the golden hour markers, while the minutes are shown around the periphery—both equipped with polished, blue-steel hands. —Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 21 Mar. 2025

On the periphery of China, the Philippine archipelago—which is close to the island of Hainan and serves as the base of the Chinese southern fleet—is another such area. —Stephen Peter Rosen, Foreign Affairs, 14 Mar. 2025

Piper lingers invisibly at the periphery of the party, though Victoria is right to call her the most judgmental member of the family. —Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 9 Mar. 2025

The eight holes around the periphery of the power supply cover are threaded to hold two 120mm fans, and the four holes closer to the center are threaded to secure a vertical graphics-card adapter. —PCMAG, 15 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle French peripherie, from Late Latin peripheria, from Greek periphereia, from peripherein to carry around, from peri- + pherein to carry — more at bear

First Known Use

circa 1568, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

periphery

noun

pe·​riph·​ery pə-ˈrif-(ə-)rē 

plural peripheries

1

: the boundary or surface of a body or figure

2

: the outer or outermost part

Medical Definition

periphery

noun

pe·​riph·​ery pə-ˈrif-(ə-)rē 

plural peripheries

1

: the outward bounds of something as distinguished from its internal regions or center

2

: the regions (as the sense organs, the muscles, or the viscera) in which nerves terminate