VocabDictionary

outskirts

/ˈaʊt.skɜːrts/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

The outer parts of a town, city, or district, typically located furthest from the center.

Example Sentences:
  • They live on the outskirts of London, commuting into the city by train every morning.
  • The factory was built on the outskirts of the industrial zone to minimize noise in residential areas.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “outskirts”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Middle English 'out' (external) and 'skirt' (the lower part of a garment or a border/edge). Historically, 'skirt' referred to the edge of a piece of land or a region, much like the hem of a dress. By the 16th century, the compound 'outskirt' emerged to specifically denote the outer edges or remote parts of a town or district.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of the 'skirts' of a town—the outer edges that hang down like the hem of a dress away from the center.

Frequently Asked Questions About “outskirts

1. What is the meaning of “outskirts” in English?

In English, outskirts (noun) is defined as: “The outer parts of a town, city, or district, typically located furthest from the center.”.

2. How do you use “outskirts” in a sentence?

They live on the outskirts of London, commuting into the city by train every morning.

3. What are English synonyms of “outskirts”?

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “outskirts”?

Derived from the Middle English 'out' (external) and 'skirt' (the lower part of a garment or a border/edge). Historically, 'skirt' referred to the edge of a piece of land or a region, much like the hem of a dress. By the 16th century, the compound 'outskirt' emerged to specifically denote the outer edges or remote parts of a town or district.