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 depravity of the aristocrats in the periphery comes off as deliciously cartoonish, likely because that’s how Fyodor perceives them. — Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026

Instead of standing on the periphery, go immediately to the center of the room. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 4 Sep. 2026

For over 18 months armed groups have established themselves across Kenscoff, struck its periphery while leaving the center under pressure. — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 25 Aug. 2026

Information about the attack is still trickling out, with Massillon warning that gangs were still roaming Kenscoff’s periphery. — ABC News, 25 Aug. 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