surroundings

British  

/ səˈraʊndɪŋz /

plural noun

1. the conditions, scenery, etc, around a person, place, or thing; environment

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Explanation

Your surroundings are the things all around you. When you park your car in a huge lot, paying attention to your surroundings can help you find the car again later. You can use the noun surroundings to mean the nearby environment — all of the objects close by, as well as the location itself — and also the circumstances or conditions where you are. When someone builds a house, the surroundings will help determine which direction it will face and how many windows it will have. Surroundings stems from surround, "be all around," but originally "flood or overflow."

Example Sentences

Travel often combines unfamiliar surroundings with relaxing experiences.

From Science Daily • May 4, 2026

“To get a chance to walk in here and just feel this and see all of these surroundings and the things that took place in this venue is pretty special,” Chesney said.

From Los Angeles Times • May 2, 2026

Having small windows makes buildings, and therefore their surroundings, less charming.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 29, 2026

A statement from Afghanistan's higher education ministry said the university's buildings and surroundings had suffered extensive damage.

From BBC • Apr. 27, 2026

Warning: This bag contains a powerful mojo or juju that will alter your surroundings.

From "The Manifestor Prophecy" by Angie Thomas

Related Words

• ambience
• atmosphere
• background
• climate
• environment
• environs
• location
• milieu
• mise en scène
• neighborhood
• setting