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

The island represents the periphery of tourism’s slow eastward creep. —Henry Wismayer, Travel + Leisure, 7 Jan. 2026

The current zoning calls for dense residential development with some commercial uses on the periphery. —Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Jan. 2026

What was the challenge of taking a character who had been on the periphery for years and putting them front and center for the final season? —Derek Lawrence, HollywoodReporter, 2 Jan. 2026

The very idea of intervention — by filmmakers, by medical professionals, or by family members on the periphery of these addicts' lives — is a no-go. —Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 27 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