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Definition of surroundings

surroundings

/səˈraʊn.dɪŋz/
sur · round · ings
Plural:surroundings
•
Adjective:surrounding
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surroundings Lexical Profile

surroundings Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The physical things, conditions, and circumstances that are around a person, place, or thing and influence how someone lives or feels.

Example

"The boutique hotel was designed to blend harmoniously with its natural surroundings."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for surroundings

Word Nuance & Usage

"Surroundings" is a plural-only noun (pluralia tantum) and always takes a plural verb when used as the subject of a clause, as in "Her new surroundings were unfamiliar."

• Rhymes for surroundings

• Nearby Words

surrogate
surround
surrounding
surroundings
surtax
surveil
surveillance

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the 19th century as the plural of the verbal noun "surrounding," from the verb "surround," which derives from Anglo-French "surunder" (to overflow or inundate), ultimately from Late Latin "superundare" (from "super-" meaning 'over' and "unda" meaning 'wave').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Surroundings. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/surroundings
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