periphery

noun

pe·riph·ery pə-ˈri-f(ə-)rē

plural peripheries

Synonyms of periphery

: the perimeter of a circle or other closed curve

also : the perimeter of a polygon

: the external boundary or surface of a body

: the outward bounds of something as distinguished from its internal regions or center : confines

: 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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

For over 18 months armed groups have established themselves across Kenscoff, struck its periphery while leaving the center under pressure. — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 25 Aug. 2026 Information about the attack is still trickling out, with Massillon warning that gangs were still roaming Kenscoff’s periphery. — ABC News, 25 Aug. 2026 Folks on the strange periphery, like me, are getting motion sick from all the head spinning one must do to cover this team. — Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 24 Aug. 2026 Two quarterbacks on the periphery of the Heisman discussion in the Aggies’ Marcel Reed and the Trojans’ Jayden Maiava. — Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for periphery

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

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Periphery.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/periphery. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

periphery

noun

pe·riph·ery pə-ˈrif-(ə-)rē

plural peripheries

: the boundary or surface of a body or figure

: the outer or outermost part

Medical Definition

periphery

noun

pe·riph·ery pə-ˈrif-(ə-)rē

plural peripheries

: the outward bounds of something as distinguished from its internal regions or center

: the regions (as the sense organs, the muscles, or the viscera) in which nerves terminate

periphery

noun

Synonyms of periphery

Examples of periphery in a Sentence

Word History

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Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

Medical Definition

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