adjective
surrounding
Located on all sides of something.
The surrounding hills protect the small town from strong winds.
Etymology
Surround originally concerned overflowing and covering. Association with round helped shape the later meaning of extending around something on every side.
More examples
- We can hear music from the surrounding apartments.
- The fire spreads quickly through the surrounding forest.
- People from the surrounding towns shop at this market.
Forms
surrounding
surround verb — To be or extend all around.
surroundings noun — The places and conditions around someone or something.
Similar words
- nearby
- Means close by, not necessarily on all sides.
- encircling
- Emphasizes forming a ring, rather than simply being all around.