surrounding

[suh-roun-ding]

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.

adjective

1. enclosing or encircling.

2. being the environment or adjacent area.

Word History and Origins

Origin of surrounding¹

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

Synonym Study

See environment.

Example Sentences

Tesla is facing increased competition from attractively priced Chinese brands and has also suffered from a tarnished image owing to controversies surrounding its billionaire CEO Elon Musk.

Read more on Barron's

The active galactic nucleus heats the surrounding gas envelope in a way that resembles how fusion heats the outer layers of a star, producing a similar outward appearance.

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A microbial film on the outer surface of the carcass then attracted clay particles from the surrounding wet sediment through electrostatic forces.

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Higher protein levels result in a stiffer film surrounding the bubbles, which helps the foam last longer.

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You think about all these supporters, players, everything surrounding Manchester United.

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Related Words

• neighboring