surrounding

American  

[suh-roun-ding] / səˈraʊn dɪŋ /

noun

1. something that surrounds.

2. surroundings, environing things, circumstances, conditions, etc.; environment.

   He was too sick to be aware of his surroundings.

3. the act of encircling or enclosing.

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adjective

1. enclosing or encircling.

2. being the environment or adjacent area.

Related Words

See environment.

Etymology

Origin of surrounding

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English: literally “inundation”; surround, -ing ¹, -ing ²

Example Sentences

WMP said it was "fully committed" to learning from the events surrounding the ban and was seeking to restore the public's trust and confidence in the force.

From BBC

Teenage boys have been drenching themselves and their surroundings in its scents for decades—and drawing complaints and choking coughs for just as long.

From The Wall Street Journal

"Whilst enquiries are under way to fully establish the circumstances surrounding the incident, it is not being treated as suspicious."

From BBC

The Ministry of Defence said the circumstances surrounding Wilde's death were being investigated.

From BBC

He said "significant" work was continuing behind the scenes with partner agencies to establish the full circumstances surrounding their deaths.

From BBC

Related Words

• neighboring