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.

---

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

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

From MarketWatch • Apr. 29, 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

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

“By Monday,” Geyer wrote in a report to headquarters,“we will have searched every outlying town, except Irvington, and another day will conclude that. After Irvington, I scarcely know where we shall go.”

From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson

Related Words

• backwoods
• far-flung
• faraway
• outer