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

By the 1960s, two enormous developments had taken place in Korea and its environs.

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The Russian Defense Ministry said Wednesday that its troops were advancing north through the city and clearing out Ukrainian troops that it said were cut off in Pokrovsk and its environs.

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“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.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• suburb 
• surroundings 
• vicinity