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

The gasp-worthy installment, which often felt like living in some sort of nightmare simulation, was the first episode of Industry to focus on one character, bringing Rishi and his inner demons from the periphery to the center. —Louis Staples, Rolling Stone, 29 Sep. 2024

This 94-mile labyrinth of the Colorado River cuts through the heart of Canyonlands National Park in southeast Utah, on the periphery of Moab. —Morgan Tilton, The Denver Post, 15 Aug. 2024

Without Washington at the helm, Europe today would have normal international politics—which, admittedly, includes the prospect of some interstate conflict at the periphery—without opening the door to a hegemonic challenge. —Justin Logan, Foreign Affairs, 9 Aug. 2024

Sheet masks sit on the periphery of an essential skin care routine: Your face sunscreen, moisturizer, and retinol products are going to pack the most benefits in the long run. —Claire Sullivan, WWD, 4 Oct. 2024

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