Outskirts: meaning, definitions and examples

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outskirts

 

[ หˆaสŠtหŒskษœหrts ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

of a city

The outer parts of a city or town, especially those areas lying at the edge of an urban area.

Synonyms

fringes, periphery, suburbs.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
outskirts

Used to describe the outer areas of a city or town, often where urban meets rural. It's typically a neutral term.

  • They moved to the outskirts of the city for a quieter life.
  • There are some new housing developments on the outskirts.
periphery

Generally used to describe the outer edges or boundaries of an area. More formal and often used in academic or technical contexts.

  • The business district is located in the city's periphery.
  • New policies will focus on the needs of people living in the periphery.
fringes

Can be used in a geographical sense similar to 'outskirts,' but also often implies a figurative sense, like being on the edge of a group or activity. It may have a slightly negative connotation depending on context.

  • She lives on the fringes of the city.
  • He felt he was always on the fringes of the social circle.
suburbs

Refers specifically to residential areas located outside of city centers. It often implies a middle-class lifestyle and is generally seen as neutral or positive.

  • They bought a house in the suburbs to have more space for their children.
  • Many people commute from the suburbs to work in the city.

Examples of usage

  • They live on the outskirts of town.
  • The outskirts are more peaceful than the city center.
Context #2 | Noun

of a forest

The outer area of a forest or wooded area.

Synonyms

border, edge, margin.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
outskirts

Used to describe the areas of a town or city that are farthest from the center. Often less densely populated and more suburban in nature.

  • They recently moved to the outskirts of the city to have more space
  • The factory is located on the outskirts of town
border

Refers to the dividing line or frontier between two areas, often between countries or regions. It can also mean the edge of something with a clear boundary.

  • We had to show our passports at the border checkpoint
  • The garden is surrounded by a white picket border
edge

Used to describe the sharp or outermost limit of an area, object, or surface. It can also describe a boundary, but with a sense of sharpness or distinct end.

  • Be careful not to fall off the edge of the cliff
  • The park is located at the edge of the river
margin

Typically used to describe a space at the sides or end of a page or the amount by which something is won or can change. Might also refer to the periphery of a situation or area.

  • Please write your notes in the margin of your notebook
  • The team won the game by a small margin

Examples of usage

  • We explored the outskirts of the forest.
  • The outskirts of the forest are home to various wildlife.

Translations

Translations of the word "outskirts" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น arredores

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคชเคฐเคฟเคงเคฟ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Vororte

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ pinggiran

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะพะบะพะปะธั†ั

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ peryferie

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ้ƒŠๅค–

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท pรฉriphรฉrie

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ periferia

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท kenar mahalleler

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๊ต์™ธ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุถูˆุงุญูŠ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ pล™edmฤ›stรญ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ predmestie

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ้ƒŠๅŒบ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ obrobje

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ รบthverfi

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ัˆะตั‚ะบะตั€ั– ะฐะนะผะฐา›

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ’แƒแƒ แƒ”แƒฃแƒ‘แƒแƒœแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ kษ™nar bรถlgษ™lษ™r

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ periferia

Etymology

The word 'outskirts' originated in the mid-16th century, combining 'out' and 'skirt' to refer to the outer edge or boundary of a place. Over time, it has come to be commonly used to describe the outer parts of a city or town, as well as the outer area of a forest or wooded area.

See also: skirting, underskirt.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,412, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.