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environs

American  
[en-vahy-ruhnz, -vahy-ernz, en-ver-uhnz, -vahy-ernz] / ɛnˈvaɪ rənz, -ˈvaɪ ərnz, ˈɛn vər ənz, -vaɪ ərnz /

plural noun

  1. the surrounding parts or districts, as of a city; outskirts; suburbs.

  2. surrounding objects; surroundings; environment.

  3. an area or space close by; vicinity.


environs British  
/ ɪnˈvaɪrənz /

plural noun

  1. a surrounding area or region, esp the suburbs or outskirts of a town or city; vicinity

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of environs

1655–65; < French (plural); replacing Middle English environ < Old French, noun use of environ around; environ

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.

Mahan argued that the proposal had already hurt the state’s finances by driving economic investment and tax revenue out of California to tax-friendly environs.

From Los Angeles Times

For centuries, Lake Maracaibo’s environs were known for natural seepage of oil rising to the surface from sedimentary rock, a phenomenon also seen in sites like Los Angeles’ La Brea Tar Pits.

From Los Angeles Times

Arguably the first collection of lyrical essay writing about the California desert, Austin drew on her travels through the Owens Valley and environs, covering mining, the Shoshone tribe, weather and water.

From Los Angeles Times

Today, the Sudanese transport company Tarco operates daily crossings, carrying around 200 passengers per trip from the modern port of Suakin, within sight of the ancient city and its impoverished environs.

From Barron's

But in winter, the northern part of that loop is closed to cars, Maybe this is why the village, mountain and environs so often feel like a snowbound secret.

From Los Angeles Times