ambit

American  

[am-bit] / ˈæm bɪt /

noun

1. a sphere of operation or influence; range; scope.

   the ambit of such an action.

2. boundary; limit.

3. circumference; circuit.

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ambit British  

/ ˈæmbɪt /

noun

1. scope or extent

2. limits, boundary, or circumference

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Etymology

Origin of ambit

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Latin ambitus “a going around,” equivalent to amb- ambi- + itus “a going” ( i- (stem of īre to go) + -tus suffix of verb action)

Example Sentences

Auditors, in turn, can certify the results so long as they fall within the wide ambit of accepted practice.

From Barron's • Oct. 13, 2025

Before I moved to Los Angeles, I was a theater critic and editor for the Village Voice, where my ambit was principally the downtown theater scene.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 15, 2023

"I am given to understand the ambit of state security is widening," she added.

From Reuters • Oct. 17, 2023

And as the satellite-fuel example reflects, the FCC's ambit extends even into space.

From Salon • May 3, 2023

Fish that were local in their ambit made the net their neighbourhood, and the quick ones, the ones that tended to streak by, the dorados, slowed down to visit the new development.

From "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel