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 On the day of the show, police and security officers line the periphery, checking credentials. Nathan Heller, Vogue, 8 Aug. 2024 Their behavior can be erratic — like spinning into a tornado and creating damaging winds on their periphery. Andrew Freedman, Axios, 31 July 2024 What makes Boycott Bar stand out Boycott Bar is understated from the outside and inside, cozy banquettes and high tops line the periphery of the open space where women come to meet each other, dance the night away and sing karaoke. Bahar Anooshahr, The Arizona Republic, 29 July 2024 Around the central hearth, limestones organized by size that were ready to be put into the kiln were still stacked up, researchers said, and residue from the last load was found along the periphery. Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 17 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for periphery 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'periphery.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near periphery

Cite this Entry

“Periphery.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/periphery. Accessed 27 Aug. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on periphery

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