noun
Uncommon
periphery
puh-RIHF-uh-ree
Periphery (noun) means the outer edge, boundary, or fringe of something. Example: “New housing developments sprang up on the periphery of the city.”
noun
1
The outer edge, boundary, or fringe of something.
"New housing developments sprang up on the periphery of the city."
"He stayed on the periphery of the argument, staying quiet."
How to use periphery
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe outer edge or fringe of an area, group, or topic — as opposed to its center or core.
Common pairings
on the periphery
periphery of society
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Word forms
- Plural
- peripheries
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
New housing developments sprang up on the _____ of the city.
Etymology
Via Middle French periphérie, from Greek peripherēs ("carried around").
Synonyms
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fringe
outer boundary
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for periphery
See all rhymes for periphery →Frequently asked questions
What does “periphery” mean?
The word “periphery” means the outer edge, boundary, or fringe of something. In plain terms, the outer edge or fringe of an area, group, or topic — as opposed to its center or core.
How do you pronounce “periphery”?
“Periphery” is pronounced puh-RIHF-uh-ree (/pəˈɹɪf.ə.ɹi/ in IPA).
How do you use “periphery” in a sentence?
Here is “periphery” used in a sentence: “New housing developments sprang up on the periphery of the city.”
What is the opposite of “periphery”?
The opposite of “periphery” — its antonyms — is center.
What part of speech is “periphery”?
“Periphery” is a noun.
Where does the word “periphery” come from?
The word “periphery” comes from Middle French. Via Middle French periphérie, from Greek peripherēs ("carried around").
Is “periphery” a common word?
“Periphery” is an uncommon word in modern English.
