- present participle of surround.
surrounding
Americannoun
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something that surrounds.
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surroundings, environing things, circumstances, conditions, etc.; environment.
He was too sick to be aware of his surroundings.
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the act of encircling or enclosing.
adjective
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enclosing or encircling.
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being the environment or adjacent area.
Synonym Usage
See environment.
Etymology
Origin of surrounding
First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English: literally “inundation”; see origin at surround, -ing 1, -ing 2
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Commissioner Rob Manfred said the league is keeping an eye on developments surrounding Walter’s insurance empire.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 3, 2026
They can escape from environments surrounding collapsing stars and black holes, carrying information that other forms of radiation might not reveal.
From Science Daily ● Nov. 2, 2026
She said she wanted to thank her family, including her husband Nathan, for surrounding her with "all of that love" and support throughout the show and during the final.
From BBC ● Nov. 2, 2026
Its contemporary design is defined by glass walls boasting breathtaking views of Camelback Mountain, as the surrounding landscape creates a serene environment in every inch of the home.
From MarketWatch ● Nov. 2, 2026
But, within days, air temperatures lowered further until the Advance was frozen into the surrounding ice.
From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
