periphery

noun

pe·​riph·​ery pə-ˈri-f(ə-)rē How to pronounce periphery (audio)
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In terms of how the oral medicine works, JOURNAVX provides relief by blocking pain signals found in the periphery, not in the brain, like traditional opioids. Essence, 25 Sep. 2025 Two, add a French drain to the periphery of the home, with a connecting drain pipe to carry excess water to the street. Kristine Gill, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Sep. 2025 These are people who are then marginalized to the peripheries, where a more human, normal daily life remains. Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 25 Sep. 2025 And Sharaa’s attempts to extend government control over the rest of Syria have alienated minorities on the country’s periphery. Sam Heller, Time, 23 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for periphery

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of periphery was circa 1568

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Periphery.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/periphery. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

periphery

noun
pe·​riph·​ery pə-ˈrif-(ə-)rē How to pronounce periphery (audio)
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 How to pronounce periphery (audio)
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

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