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

If the illusion is successful, the decoy serves the purpose of attracting attention from opponents aiming to distract the penalty taker, while the real penalty taker can quietly prepare in the periphery, calmly focusing on his kick. — Geir Jordet, New York Times, 15 July 2026

Europe’s strategic periphery is not only integral to European security but is actively deepening transatlantic tensions and sharpening intra-European divisions. — Galip Dalay, Time, 7 July 2026

Then on the periphery of the whiteboard, the Golden State Warriors, Dallas Mavericks, Boston Celtics, San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks were written as options for James in free agency. — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026

For technology leaders, the edge is no longer the periphery of the architecture. — Phillip Marangella, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026

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