outlying

American  

[out-lahy-ing] / ˈaʊtˌlaɪ ɪŋ /

adjective

1. lying lying lie at a distance from the center or the main body; remote; out-of-the-way.

   outlying military posts.

2. lying lying lie outside the boundary or limit.

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outlying British  

/ ˈaʊtˌlaɪɪŋ /

adjective

1. distant or remote from the main body or centre, as of a town or region

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Etymology

Origin of outlying

First recorded in 1655–65; out- + lying ²

Example Sentences

More recently, Taiwanese authorities said they are investigating another Chinese vessel, which was sent to recover a stranded fishing boat, for possibly damaging a cable near one of its outlying islands last month.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

After the meeting, Kingsnorth said, “We’re ready to pause if we need to because of the outlying state of the world.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 20, 2026

Although recovery efforts were under way in parts of the city, some outlying areas remained at risk as a nearby river overflowed, forcing another 500 people to evacuate on Thursday morning.

From Barron's • Jan. 8, 2026

“There’s a movement toward smaller cities and community areas. People are moving beyond the cities to the outlying areas,” said Tim Smart, contributing editor at U.S.

From MarketWatch • Nov. 4, 2025

He circled the outlying communities, their dwellings dark.

From "The Giver" by Lois Lowry

Related Words

• backwoods
• far-flung
• faraway
• outer