# outlying

/ˈaʊtˌɫaɪɪŋ/ (US) · /aʊtlˈaɪɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/outlying
Updated: 2026-05-09

## Definition

describing a place that is far away from the main town or center.

For teachers: situated far from a main center, settlement, or population hub. Typically used attributively before the noun it modifies.

## Examples

- The bus only goes to the outlying villages.
- The city council is planning to improve public transport links for residents in the outlying suburbs.
- While the central districts saw immediate economic recovery, the outlying regions remained isolated from the new trade routes for several decades.

## Usage notes

- Typically used attributively before a noun; rarely used after a linking verb.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.