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

• 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 date is displayed around the periphery of the dial using a blued hand, while the day and month are marked on sapphire discs contrasted with the blue background of the apertures. —Anthony Demarco, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025

Crocodiles, alligators, and destructive Burmese pythons thrive in the Everglades, but a new study shows that the singular ecosystem is also vital to South Florida’s economy, helping sustain millions of people who live around its periphery. —Denise Hruby, Sun Sentinel, 21 June 2025

Having been on the periphery domestically, too, a move to Vidarbha in 2023 kickstarted his comeback. —Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 19 June 2025

Otherwise Israel could, in theory, only chip at Fordo’s periphery—by destroying power sources, collapsing entrances or sending saboteurs—while uranium continues to be enriched below. —Deni Ellis Béchard, Scientific American, 18 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