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

The Hyundai site sits on 3,000 acres in a largely rural area of Bryan County, drawing in workers from several surrounding counties and communities including the city of Savannah, located about 25 miles away.

From Los Angeles Times

Crews began taking down the 32-foot-tall sign Thursday night, starting with the “X,” as part of upcoming reconfiguration of the surrounding roads.

From Los Angeles Times

“I have no knowledge of the circumstances surrounding Ms. Maxwell other than what is reported in the news,” Schnitt said in the statement.

From Salon

Indeed, the rushed circumstances surrounding his Arsenal loan last season have acted as a cautionary tale.

From BBC

Doctors and pharmacists report they are being inundated with questions about the uncertainty surrounding the long-available vaccines this fall.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• neighboring