environs

[ en-vahy-ruhnz, -vahy-ernz, en-ver-uhnz, -vahy-ernz ]

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

/ ɪnˈvaɪrənz /

plural noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of environs¹

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

Example Sentences

It might be harder today than it was in 2003, given the fentanyl epidemic, which has turned the park and its environs into an outdoor museum of overdose horrors.

From Los Angeles Times

A direct hit would have inflicted catastrophic, region-remaking losses on Tampa and environs, due to NASCAR-speed winds and unprecedented levels of storm surge.

From Slate

“It’s one thing to do scary things in my own neighborhood,” Wood said of Westside environs she has scoured.

From Los Angeles Times

But there were occasional reminders of the jihadists’ capacity to range further south in this vast country, to Bamako and its environs.

From BBC

He also offers prescriptions, micro and macro, private and public, for better stewardship of our environs.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• suburb
• surroundings
• vicinity