environs

[ en-vahy-ruhnz, -vahy-ernz, en-ver-uhnz, -vahy-ernz ]

plural noun

1. the surrounding parts or districts, as of a city; outskirts; suburbs.
2. surrounding objects; surroundings; environment.
3. an area or space close by; vicinity.

environs

/ ɪnˈvaɪrənz /

plural noun

1. a surrounding area or region, esp the suburbs or outskirts of a town or city; vicinity

Word History and Origins

Origin of environs¹

1655–65; < French (plural); replacing Middle English environ < Old French, noun use of environ around; environ

Example Sentences

The American one, filmed in Los Angeles and its environs, is much more swish and Bravo-y.

From The Daily Beast

The city and its environs are where lasagna, tortellini, and Bolognese sauce—not to mention bologna—originated.

From The Daily Beast

Any discussion of Squaw Valley will eventually shift to KT-22 and its environs—“the Mothership,” in local parlance.

From The Daily Beast

Reports of heavy turnouts in Tel Aviv and other liberal environs, and a light-turnout in Likud strongholds thrilled her.

From The Daily Beast

A source told The Sun newspaper: 'Officially the crime scene is the chateau and its environs.

From The Daily Beast

The environs are pretty, with Magtan Island (on which Maghallanes was killed) in front and a range of hills in the background.

From Project Gutenberg

About an hour and a halfʼs drive from Cebú City there is the little town of Naga, the environs of which are extremely pretty.

From Project Gutenberg

I agreed, and had five days left, which I determined to spend in carefully examining Valparaiso and its environs.

From Project Gutenberg

There is nothing further to be seen in the town, but the environs, or rather the whole island, offers the most enchanting sight.

From Project Gutenberg

A few months ago an amiable Scotchman offered me his hospitality in the environs of Edinburgh.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• suburb
• surroundings
• vicinity