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”; see origin at surround, -ing ¹, -ing ²

Example Sentences

Artefacts from voyages line exhibits surrounding the vessel, including part of a Chinese tomb that once served as ballast in the hold of a galleon.

From Barron's • Apr. 28, 2026

Newport and the surrounding area has been seen as a more affordable alternative for first‑time buyers from the Welsh capital looking east and their counterparts on the English side of the Severn looking west.

From BBC • Apr. 27, 2026

Some climbed on the surrounding hay bales for a better pose, asking others in line to snap their photo in front of the cowboy hat emblazoned with the words “Arby’s roast beef sandwich is delicious.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 27, 2026

At a hearing last week on extending the order, Judge Brendan A. Hurson told the courtroom full of ICE protesters that he understood the political firestorm surrounding the lawsuit.

From Slate • Apr. 27, 2026

And it must be noted that the surrounding country where they were located was stark desert and not exactly crawling with wildlife.

From This Side of Wild by Gary Paulsen

Related Words

• neighboring