# outskirts

/ˈaʊtˌskɝts/ (US) · /ˈaʊtskɜːts/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/outskirts
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. edge of a city

noun · CEFR B1

the parts of a city or town that are furthest from the centre.

For teachers: the outer borders or fringes of a town or city. Usually plural; often used with the preposition 'on'.

- They decided to buy a house on the outskirts of the city to have more space.
- The new industrial park was constructed on the northern outskirts, providing easy access to the motorway while keeping heavy traffic away from the residential centre.

Usage: Usually plural and preceded by 'the' and 'on'.

## Examples

- They moved to the outskirts for a quieter life.
- The new shopping mall is being built on the outskirts of the city.
- As the city expanded, the industrial zones that once defined the outskirts were replaced by sprawling suburban developments.

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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.