environs

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

/ ɛnˈvaɪ rənz, -ˈvaɪ ərnz, ˈɛn vər ənz, -vaɪ ərnz /

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See synonyms for: environs / environ on Thesaurus.com

plural noun

the surrounding parts or districts, as of a city; outskirts; suburbs.

surrounding objects; surroundings; environment.

an area or space close by; vicinity.

QUIZ

THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?

Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

Question 1 of 7

In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

candystring

candyfloss

candypuff

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of environs

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

Words nearby environs

environmentalist, environmental medicine, Environmental Protection Agency, environmental resistance, environmental science, environs, envisage, envision, envoy, envy, enweave

How to use environs in a sentence

The American one, filmed in Los Angeles and its environs, is much more swish and Bravo-y.
Watching Us, Watching Them: On ‘The People’s Couch’|Tim Teeman|March 20, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The city and its environs are where lasagna, tortellini, and Bolognese sauce—not to mention bologna—originated.
Italy Plans a Disneyland for Foodies|Barbie Latza Nadeau|March 16, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Any discussion of Squaw Valley will eventually shift to KT-22 and its environs—“the Mothership,” in local parlance.
Olympians Dish on Their Favorite Spots to Ski & Snowboard|The Daily Beast|October 26, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Reports of heavy turnouts in Tel Aviv and other liberal environs, and a light-turnout in Likud strongholds thrilled her.
A Glorious Day Off For Democracy On|Gil Troy|January 23, 2013|DAILY BEAST

A source told The Sun newspaper: 'Officially the crime scene is the chateau and its environs.
Were Kate Pics An 'Inside Job'?|Tom Sykes|September 24, 2012|DAILY BEAST
The environs are pretty, with Magtan Island (on which Maghallanes was killed) in front and a range of hills in the background.
The Philippine Islands|John Foreman
About an hour and a halfʼs drive from Cebú City there is the little town of Naga, the environs of which are extremely pretty.
The Philippine Islands|John Foreman
I agreed, and had five days left, which I determined to spend in carefully examining Valparaiso and its environs.
A Woman's Journey Round the World|Ida Pfeiffer
There is nothing further to be seen in the town, but the environs, or rather the whole island, offers the most enchanting sight.
A Woman's Journey Round the World|Ida Pfeiffer
A few months ago an amiable Scotchman offered me his hospitality in the environs of Edinburgh.
Friend Mac Donald|Max O'Rell

British Dictionary definitions for environs

environs

/ (ɪnˈvaɪrənz) /

pl n

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

environs

Origin of environs

Words nearby environs

Words related to environs

How to use environs in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for environs