Definition 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 dogs are confined by an invisible electronic fence that runs along the periphery of the yard

Recent Examples on the Web But by focusing on writing assignments, educators let another seismic shift take place in the periphery: students using AI more often to complete math homework too. —Reece Rogers, WIRED, 28 Aug. 2024 Sailor’s father is on the periphery, an almost cartoonishly inept partner who feels simultaneously extremely believable. —Chloe Schama, Vogue, 18 July 2024 Signs of interest in it, if only at the periphery, can be detected in ... —Andrew Stuttaford, National Review, 9 July 2024 Maricopa County Regional Parks: Parks on the periphery of the Valley have relatively darker skies. —Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 2 Aug. 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.

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

Style

“Periphery.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/periphery. Accessed 7 Oct. 2024.