# periphery

/pɝˈɪfɝi/ (US) · /pəɹˈɪfəɹi/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/periphery
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

the outer edge of an area or the less important part of a group. You use this when talking about things that are not in the center of the action.

For teachers: the outer limits or edge of an area, object, or abstract concept. Often refers to the marginal or less significant aspects of a system or social group.

## Examples

- The new houses are on the periphery of the city.
- While the main debate focused on the economy, several smaller issues remained on the periphery of the discussion.
- The artist spent most of her career on the periphery of the mainstream art world, eventually gaining recognition only after her style was adopted by younger generations.

## Usage notes

- Often used with the preposition 'of' to indicate the boundary of a specific entity.

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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.