noun
Uncommon
perimeter
pih-RIHM-ih-tuh
Perimeter (noun) means the total distance around the edge of a shape. Example: “She measured the perimeter of the garden before ordering fencing.”
noun
1
The total distance around the edge of a shape.
"She measured the perimeter of the garden before ordering fencing."
"To find the perimeter of the square, add up the lengths of all four sides."
"The perimeter of this triangle is longer than that of the rectangle beside it."
2
The outer boundary or edge of an area, especially one that is guarded or fortified.
"Soldiers patrolled the perimeter of the base all night."
"A high fence runs around the perimeter of the airport."
"Guards checked every gate along the perimeter of the factory."
How to use perimeter
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe outside edge of a shape or area, or the total length around it.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
perimeter fence
secure the perimeter
perimeter of a triangle
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Word forms
- Plural
- perimeters
Fill the gap
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She measured the _____ of the garden before ordering fencing.
Etymology
From Greek perimetros, from peri- ("around") + metron ("measure").
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for perimeter
See all rhymes for perimeter →Frequently asked questions
What does “perimeter” mean?
The word “perimeter” means the total distance around the edge of a shape. In plain terms, the outside edge of a shape or area, or the total length around it.
How do you pronounce “perimeter”?
“Perimeter” is pronounced pih-RIHM-ih-tuh (/pəˈɹɪm.ɪ.təɹ/ in IPA).
How do you use “perimeter” in a sentence?
Here is “perimeter” used in a sentence: “She measured the perimeter of the garden before ordering fencing.”
What is another word for “perimeter”?
Words with a similar meaning to “perimeter” include circumference.
What part of speech is “perimeter”?
“Perimeter” is a noun.
Where does the word “perimeter” come from?
The word “perimeter” comes from Greek. From Greek perimetros, from peri- ("around") + metron ("measure").
Is “perimeter” a common word?
“Perimeter” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “perimeter” have?
“Perimeter” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the total distance around the edge of a shape.
What is the difference between perimeter and circumference?
Circumference specifically refers to the distance around a circle, while perimeter is the broader term for the total distance around the edge of any shape, circular or not.
What is the difference between perimeter and area?
Perimeter measures the total distance around the outer edge of a shape, a linear measurement, while area measures the amount of space enclosed within that boundary, a two-dimensional measurement.
What does "perimeter" mean in a security context?
In security and military contexts, perimeter refers to the outer boundary or edge of an area, especially one that is guarded or fortified, as in "perimeter defense" or "securing the perimeter."
