English Reference

Word

surrounds

Phoneticssur·rounds

US/sɝˈaʊndz/

UK/səɹˈaʊndz/

Definitions

01borders or environment

B2

n. the area or the objects that are immediately around something.

n. the immediate borders, edges, or environment adjacent to a central object. Plural in form and usage.

“The old fireplace had beautiful wooden surrounds that matched the floor.”

“The architect specified that the window surrounds should be crafted from local limestone to integrate the building with the natural landscape.”

Usage

Always used in the plural form when referring to the area around an object.

Antonyms

02to be all around

B1

v. to be on every side of something or someone.

v. to be present on all sides of; to encircle or encompass. Third-person singular form.

“A high stone wall surrounds the garden to keep it private.”

“A dense forest of ancient oak and pine surrounds the secluded estate, providing a natural barrier against the noise of the nearby highway.”

Usage

The third-person singular present form of the verb 'surround'.

Synonyms

encirclesenclosesenvelops

Real-World Examples

“Players absorb cues from team members, supporters, critics and the media, quietly internalising the atmosphere that surrounds a team.”
The Guardian · 9 Aug 2026
“Planets, moons and smaller rocky bodies arise from the protoplanetary disk that surrounds their central star.”
Smithsonian Magazine · 29 Jun 2026

This entry

Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency
Frequent
Updated

Scan code

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English Reference