# surrounds

/sɝˈaʊndz/ (US) · /səɹˈaʊndz/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/surrounds
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. borders or environment

noun · CEFR B2

the area or the objects that are immediately around something.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. to be all around

verb · CEFR B1

to be on every side of something or someone.

For teachers: 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'.

## Examples

- The hotel has beautiful surrounds with views of the mountains.
- After living in the city for years, she found the quiet surrounds of the countryside quite peaceful.
- The architect designed the glass pavilion to blend seamlessly into its natural surrounds, ensuring that the structure did not disrupt the visual flow of the ancient woodland.

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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.