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

While there haven’t been any controversies surrounding ExpressVPN, Kape Technologies’ suspected ties to the Israeli military may raise concerns.

From Salon • Apr. 1, 2026

Military operations are more complex than many people think, especially if they involve invading a hostile country and there aren’t many accessible bases in surrounding countries.

From Slate • Apr. 1, 2026

While Air Canada has framed the move as a planned transition, the timing highlights the mounting pressure surrounding Rousseau’s tenure.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

England head coach Charlotte Edwards says her players have categorically addressed the issues surrounding their fitness.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

His satchel is stuffed with sealed letters, scouting reports from surrounding outposts, receipts of sale, and several leather folios engraved with the crest of local magistrates, bound for the Capital King of Samarkand.

From "The Many Assassinations of Samir, the Seller of Dreams" by Daniel Nayeri

Related Words

• neighboring