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 of periphery

• 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

Aiming to establish a peaceful periphery, New Delhi tried to engage rather than contain China, which angered American policymakers. —Tanvi Madan, Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025

To hear about a mass shooting in another city is to feel one is at the periphery of ongoing history; but perversely, to live near the site of a shooting is to feel nothing has changed except that unreality has come closer. —Karan Mahajan, New Yorker, 15 Dec. 2025

However, areas with larger glaciers, like Greenland and the periphery of Antarctica, could experience peak glacier disappearance later in the century. —Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 15 Dec. 2025

Fins’ 5-1 run and resulting 6-7 record has Miami on periphery of wild-card playoff contention but still two games out with four games left and hopes on life support. —Greg Cote december 14, Miami Herald, 14 Dec. 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