outlying

adjective

out·​ly·​ing ˈau̇t-ˌlī-iŋ How to pronounce outlying (audio)
Synonyms of outlyingnext
: remote from a center or main body
outlying areas

Examples of outlying in a Sentence

the outlying areas of the city
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Ely was a real challenge because so many people were evacuated and moved into Ely from outlying areas. — Alex Robinson, Outdoor Life, 29 July 2026 However, some itineraries use Nynäshamn, an outlying port about 37 miles south of Stockholm. — David Nikel, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026 Between 2020 and 2025, the fastest growth was clustered in pockets of the South and West, where outlying counties of major metro areas posted some of the biggest gains. — Chris Hacker, Washington Post, 30 June 2026 Those aiming to spend their time visiting the cultural sites in Tsim Sha Tsui, Central, or the outlying islands might find the neighborhood (or lack thereof) overly commercial. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for outlying

Word History

First Known Use

1647, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of outlying was in 1647

Rhymes for outlying

See All Rhymes for outlying

Browse Nearby Words

out loud
outlying
outman
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Cite this Entry

“Outlying.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outlying. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

outlying

adjective
out·​ly·​ing ˈau̇t-ˌlī-iŋ How to pronounce outlying (audio)
: being far from a center or main body
an outlying suburb

More from Merriam-Webster on outlying

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for outlying

Nglish: Translation of outlying for Spanish Speakers

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