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 of periphery

• perimeter
• edge
• confines
• circumference
• boundary
• border
• edging

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

The majority of the moves made, save for the Tkachuk trade and the moves for the goalies, will impact the periphery of the lineup. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026

For technology leaders, the edge is no longer the periphery of the architecture. — Phillip Marangella, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026

Against this backdrop, the California African American Museum (CAAM) marks its 50th anniversary next year, offering a blueprint for how museums can hold fast to their mission, regardless of what gathers at their periphery. — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 29 June 2026

The move from the periphery to a prime location isn’t really about real estate. — Stacy Martinet, Variety, 26 June 2026

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