Outskirts Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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outskirts

[ˈaʊtˌskɜːrts ]

Definitions

^{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?

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?

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

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'outskirts'

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.

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.

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