Definition of PERIPHERY (original) (raw)
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
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.
The victory helped Assad to secure his hold on strategic areas of Syria, with opposition factions and their foreign backers controlling areas on the periphery. —
Charlene Gubash, NBC News, 1 Dec. 2024 Since the Boston Bruins’ tone-setting 6-4 loss on opening night to the Florida Panthers, general manager Don Sweeney has tinkered with his roster’s periphery. —Fluto Shinzawa, The Athletic, 21 Nov. 2024 Here’s how to watch every Spider-Man universe movie in order, even the ones where Peter Parker only exists around the periphery. —Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 30 Oct. 2024 In Israel, more than 75,000 people fled homes on Gaza’s periphery. —Laura King, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2024 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
Dictionary Entries Near periphery
Cite this Entry
“Periphery.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/periphery. Accessed 28 Dec. 2024.
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Last Updated: 18 Dec 2024 - Updated example sentences
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