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.

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environs British  

/ ɪnˈvaɪrənz /

plural noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of environs

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

Example Sentences

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 • Feb. 1, 2026

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 • Jan. 29, 2026

The union said the media workers were detained by Venezuelan security forces at the National Assembly and its environs, and in the neighbourhood of Altamira - all in the capital, Caracas.

From BBC • Jan. 6, 2026

Thirty years earlier, scientific assessments had estimated that Prague and its environs had two German-speakers for every Czech-speaker.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 26, 2025

A thorough check of the stove and its environs revealed nothing.

From "Into the Wild" by Jon Krakauer

Related Words

• suburb
• surroundings
• vicinity