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Outskirts - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

The outskirts are the outer edges or surrounding areas of a city or town, often less developed than the center. This term is used to describe locations on the periphery of urban areas.

outskirts

/ˈaʊtˌskɜrts/ /ˈaʊtˌskɜːts/

Definition:

The outer edges of a city or town, often less developed than the center.

Synonyms:

suburbs, periphery, fringes, border

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

center, downtown

Common Collocations:

city outskirts, rural outskirts, industrial outskirts

Derivatives:

outskirt (rare singular form), outskirter (rare)

Usage Tips:

Use "outskirts" to describe areas on the edge of urban zones, not remote countryside.

Common Phrases:

on the outskirts, beyond the outskirts, outskirts of town

Etymology:

From Middle English "out" + "skirt," meaning the outer edge or border of something.

Examples:

  • 1. They built a new mall on the outskirts of town.
  • 2. The factory is located on the northern outskirts of the city.
  • 3. We live on the outskirts where it’s quieter than downtown.
  • 4. Wild animals sometimes wander into the outskirts at night.

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