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

“Don’t be caught here after dark,” said the jittery cop, who brandished an assault rifle as he scanned the environs.

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Wealthier often means having a nicer apartment, but an apartment all the same, existing in the same environs as those in a different price range.

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The American remake of “The Office” transformed the blank environs of an office supplies wholesaler into an adorable terrarium.

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Hundreds of Christians, but also some Muslims, uprooted by Israeli bombardment, now reside on church grounds or in the surrounding environs.

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Last week, the Israeli military dropped fliers above Koawaya, telling villagers they were forbidden from having arms when they moved around in the village and its environs.

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Related Words

• suburb 
• surroundings 
• vicinity