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.
Each of the three main structures and the smaller outlying buildings will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis to either be refurbished or demolished. — Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 20 May 2026 In the capital's outlying neighborhoods, older men are often sitting on sidewalks and strumming their guitars. — Ricci Shryock, NPR, 27 May 2026 But Maine and Alaska are these outlying states, very different than the rest of the map, based off of media market, based off of incumbency and the particulars of the states. — ABC News, 31 May 2026 Second, the object had to have originated within that country’s modern borders; for example, Turkey would have no claim to an object from an outlying Ottoman province. — Matthew Campbell, Bloomberg, 22 May 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 10 Jul. 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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