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.

---

outlying British  

/ ˈaʊtˌlaɪɪŋ /

adjective

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

---

Etymology

Origin of outlying

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

Example Sentences

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

Most Smart Sampa arrests have occurred in outlying neighborhoods, with many of those detained migrants from poorer regions of Brazil's interior.

From Barron's • Mar. 17, 2026

China’s coast guard said it was carrying out patrols in the waters around Taiwan and some of its outlying islands.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 29, 2025

“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

The sun was just a few hours from setting when they arrived at the base of the hill below the outlying shacks and huts.

From "The Kill Order (Maze Runner, Book Four; Origin)" by James Dashner

Related Words

• backwoods
• far-flung
• faraway
• outer