environs

[ en-vahy-ruh nz, -vahy-ernz, en-ver-uh nz, -vahy-ernz ]
/ ɛnˈvaɪ rənz, -ˈvaɪ ərnz, ˈɛn vər ənz, -vaɪ ərnz /

plural noun

the surrounding parts or districts, as of a city; outskirts; suburbs.
surrounding objects; surroundings; environment.
an area or space close by; vicinity.

Origin of environs

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

Definition for environs (2 of 2)

environ
[ en-vahy-ruh n, -vahy-ern ]
/ ɛnˈvaɪ rən, -ˈvaɪ ərn /

verb (used with object)

to form a circle or ring round; surround; envelop: a house environed by pleasant grounds; to be environed by bad influences.

Origin of environ

1300–50; Middle English envirounen < Old French environner, derivative of environ around ( en en-1 + viron a circle; vir(er) to turn, veer1 + -on noun suffix)

OTHER WORDS FROM environ

un·en·vi·roned, adjective

Example sentences from the Web for environs

British Dictionary definitions for environs (1 of 2)

environs
/ (ɪnˈvaɪrənz) /

pl n

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

British Dictionary definitions for environs (2 of 2)

environ
/ (ɪnˈvaɪrən) /

verb

(tr) to encircle or surround

Word Origin for environ

C14: from Old French environner to surround, from environ around, from en- 1 + viron a circle, from virer to turn, veer 1