peripheral

noun

: a device connected to a computer to provide communication (such as input and output) or auxiliary functions (such as additional storage)

Did you know?

Your peripheral vision is the outer area of your field of vision, where you can still detect movement and shapes. It can be very valuable when, for instance, you're driving into Chicago at rush hour, especially when switching lanes. When people call an issue in a discussion peripheral, they mean that it's not of primary importance, and they're probably suggesting that everyone get back to the main topic. Peripheral is now also a noun: computer peripherals are the added components—printers, webcams, microphones, etc.—that increase a computer's capacities.

Examples of peripheral in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Good computer desks are rare, and this one leaves the whole upper surface free for your monitors, peripherals, and printer. —John Burek, PC Magazine, 7 June 2026

With Jalen Williams and Mitchell missing, along with Castle in his grill and Wembanyama in his peripheral, SGA played much of the West finals under an umbrella. —Joel Lorenzi, New York Times, 31 May 2026

Swiss technology company Logitech has announced a new keyboard and two mice as part of its Signature Comfort Plus Series of peripherals. —Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026

This is the giant space underneath the desk, towards the back, where gamers can store all those unsightly wires and cables that run from their peripherals to their gaming PC. —Julian Chokkattu, Wired News, 19 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1966, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing peripheral

• peripheral nervous system
• peripheral neuropathy

Kids Definition

peripheral

1 of 2 adjective

pe·​riph·​er·​al pə-ˈrif-(ə-)rəl 

1

: of, relating to, located in, or forming a periphery

2

: auxiliary entry 1, supplementary

peripheral equipment

peripherally

-ē

adverb

peripheral

2 of 2 noun

: a device connected to a computer to provide communication (as input and output) or extra storage capacity

Medical Definition

peripheral

adjective

pe·​riph·​er·​al pə-ˈrif-(ə-)rəl 

1

: of, relating to, involving, forming, or located near a periphery or surface part (as of the body)

2

: of, relating to, affecting, or being part of the peripheral nervous system

peripheral nerves

3

: of, relating to, or being the outer part of the visual field

good peripheral vision

4

: of, relating to, or being blood in the systemic circulation

peripheral lymphocytes

peripheral blood

peripherally

-ē 

adverb