ENGLISH
REFERENCE

surround

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //sɝˈaʊnd// UK //səɹˈaʊnd// sur·round Archaic General-service

n. the area or border that goes around the edge of something. It is often used to describe the frame around a fireplace or the material around a screen.

n. a border or casing that encompasses the edge of an object. Often used in interior design or electronics to describe the decorative or functional frame around a central feature.


SIMPLE

The fireplace has a beautiful stone surround.

CONTEXTUAL

The designer chose a dark wood surround for the television to help it blend into the library shelves.

COMPLEX

While the central mosaic is the main attraction, the intricate marble surround provides a necessary visual transition to the simpler floor tiles of the gallery.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English sourrounden (“to submerge, overflow”), from Middle French souronder, suronder, from Late Latin superundō, from super + undō (“to rise in waves”), from unda (“wave”).

Usage

Commonly used in the context of home fixtures, such as a 'fireplace surround' or 'bath surround'.

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