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

So Williams brings that perspective from having been on the periphery of the business from a young age to her fiery missive about the Tait scandal. —Chris Willman, Variety, 13 June 2025

Sergio Reguilon, a player firmly out of favour before departing as a free agent at the end of the season just finished, noticed Postecoglou drifting to the periphery and tried to encourage him into the group. —Elias Burke, New York Times, 10 June 2025

The most potent moments tend to occur on the periphery of the action, in snippets featuring the billionaires’ downstairs courtier class, the assistants and lawyers who hustle at the corners of Hugo’s mansion. —Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 4 June 2025

New fire ignitions will be possible due to the frequent lightning strikes observed, especially on the periphery of the storm. —Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 1 June 2025

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