periphery

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noun pe·riph·ery \ pə-ˈri-f(ə-)rē \

Definition of periphery

plural -eries

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

See periphery defined for English-language learners

See periphery defined for kids

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 of periphery from the Web

The Mariners and Cardinals are both currently on the periphery of their leagues’ Wild Card races.

— dan gartland, SI.com, "Reports: Mariners Trade for Cardinals Pitcher Mike Leake," 30 Aug. 2017
One solution: redefine Downtown Boise’s master plan, Blueprint Boise, calls for creating thriving Downtown neighborhoods at the periphery of the core business district, including family housing.

— john sowell, idahostatesman, "At last, Downtown Boise is becoming a residential neighborhood — for those with means," 28 Aug. 2017
Jones also was on the periphery of Jacksonville running back Corey Grant's 79-yard touchdown sprint in the third quarter after the Patriots had rallied to tie the game.

— mark inabinett, AL.com, "NFL preseason starts inauspiciously for New England Patriots cornerback Cyrus Jones," 15 Aug. 2017
By the 1970s and ‘80s, colleges adopted some of the planning concepts of suburban America and located dorms at the periphery of the campus, away from classrooms, libraries and other academic facilities.

— roger showley, sandiegouniontribune.com, "UCSD 6th College returns to campus roots," 8 Aug. 2017
He's been in the business for 20 years and one of his earlier bands, Eastern Conference Champions, hung around the periphery of the major label world.

— jeffrey lee puckett, The Courier-Journal, "Get to the Forecastle Festival early and keep these great afternoon performers company," 11 July 2017
Many arts groups have moved these kinds of programs from the periphery to their core mission.

— peter dobrin, Philly.com, "Are you my audience? Arts groups target a new wave of arts appreciators," 7 July 2017
Amir Peretz and Avi Gabbay represent a change and that starts in the periphery and development towns.

— aron heller, Jewish Journal, "Israel's Labor Party looks to rebrand with leadership vote," 5 July 2017
There are certainly unresolved issues at the periphery of Obergefell, as the Texas Supreme Court noted.

— dale carpenter, Washington Post, "How wrong was the Texas Supreme Court about equality for married gay couples?," 2 July 2017

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.

Origin and Etymology of periphery

Middle French peripherie, from Late Latin peripheria, from Greek periphereia, from peripherein to carry around, from peri- + pherein to carry — more at bear

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: circa 1568

See Words from the same year