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

Sheet masks sit on the periphery of an essential skin care routine: Your face sunscreen, moisturizer, and retinol products are going to pack the most benefits in the long run. —Claire Sullivan, WWD, 4 Oct. 2024

If life lingers on the peripheries of our world, maybe there’s a chance that life exists elsewhere in the universe. —quantamagazine.org, 26 Sep. 2024

Areas on the northern periphery of Lake Pontchartrain will be at higher risk for inundation because that part is not as heavily leveed as the southern end. —NBC News, 12 Sep. 2024

But by focusing on writing assignments, educators let another seismic shift take place in the periphery: students using AI more often to complete math homework too. —Reece Rogers, WIRED, 28 Aug. 2024

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