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

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

Beijing quickly retaliated by sending Chinese coast guard vessels into waters around disputed islands and military drones near an outlying Japanese island.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 30, 2025

“The outlying areas are very attractive to retirees. Smaller communities outside the big metros still offer many of the same features but with more affordability,” Smart said.

From MarketWatch • Nov. 4, 2025

Shetland Islands Council says it is pushing ahead with plans to build tunnels to four outlying isles in the archipelago including Unst, the most northerly place in the UK.

From BBC • Jul. 14, 2025

It was true that supplies and food had been brought to the camps around Asheville, and the people there usually shared with the outlying settlements.

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

Related Words

• backwoods
• far-flung
• faraway
• outer