outlying

American  

[out-lahy-ing] / ˈaʊtˌlaɪ ɪŋ /

adjective

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

   outlying military posts.

2. lying 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

“Lululemon is now left with outlying customers who follow generic athletic brands,” he said.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 29, 2026

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

He is one of the few people outside the military who travel to the most dangerous areas, delivering bread to outlying villages that he makes in his own bakery, which produces 17,000 loaves per week.

From BBC • Feb. 24, 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

Afterward, most patients were sent off to outlying hospitals to convalesce.

From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan

Related Words

• backwoods
• far-flung
• faraway
• outer