environs

American  

[en-vahy-ruhnz, -vahy-ernz, en-ver-uhnz, -vahy-ernz] / ɛnˈvaɪ rənz, -ˈvaɪ ərnz, ˈɛn vər ənz, -vaɪ ərnz /

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.

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environs British  

/ ɪnˈvaɪrənz /

plural noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of environs

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

Example Sentences

The union said the media workers were detained by Venezuelan security forces at the National Assembly and its environs, and in the neighbourhood of Altamira - all in the capital, Caracas.

From BBC

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

From Literature

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

From Los Angeles Times

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.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Salon

Related Words

• suburb
• surroundings
• vicinity