periphery

noun

pe·riph·ery | \ pə-ˈri-f(ə-)rē

plural peripheries

Definition of periphery

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

3a : 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 Example Sentences Learn More about periphery

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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 intense airstrikes were coupled with fierce ground clashes as the government, backed by Russia, pushed ahead with a months-old offensive seeking to chip away at territory on the periphery of the rebel enclave. — Washington Post, "Airstrikes on Syrian rebel stronghold kill family of 7," 17 Aug. 2019 For those on the periphery, Ilopango’s nightmare was just beginning. — Michael Greshko, National Geographic, "Colossal volcano behind 'mystery' global cooling finally found," 23 Aug. 2019 But on the periphery are strangers with their own private dramas, of serendipitous rendezvous, of unexpected intimacy, of defeat or resignation. — Deanna Pan, BostonGlobe.com, "A day at South Station: A gateway to Boston, an intersection of many different lives," 17 Aug. 2019 Taken into consideration are the properties beyond the two growth areas, to make sure the agricultural and lower-density residential communities on the periphery have a relationship to the development happening. — Erika Butler, baltimoresun.com, "Aberdeen delays 75-acre annexation requests, waiting on study of future growth areas," 23 July 2019 Nagging at the periphery of playoff relevancy courtesy of a division that has one good team (Cubs) that isn’t playing up to its talent, but could start doing so any day now. — Paul Daugherty, Cincinnati.com, "Doc's Morning Line: By midnight July 24, the Reds will have charted their course.," 17 July 2019 The artists here are grappling with what comes in between and after and on the periphery. — Lori Waxman, chicagotribune.com, "Inaugural National Veterans Art Museum Triennial offers veterans a welcoming home," 5 June 2019 Yet most of the world is not a center, but a margin—by definition the periphery is larger and more extensive than the core. — Wade Graham, Smithsonian, "Why Molokai, With All Its Wonders, Is the Least Developed of Hawai’i’s Islands," 31 Aug. 2019 Many people in Germany’s rural, eastern periphery feel left behind. — Washington Post, "Far-right party eyes big gains in German state elections," 29 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'periphery.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.