adj
peripheral
puh-RIHFRL
adj
1
Located on the outer edge or boundary, rather than at the center.
"She noticed movement in her peripheral vision."
2
Of minor importance; not central to the main issue.
"That detail is peripheral to the main argument."
noun
1
A device connected to a computer but not part of its core hardware, such as a printer or keyboard.
"He plugged in a new keyboard and other peripherals."
How to Use Peripheral
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishOn the edge rather than the center — literally (peripheral vision) or in importance (a peripheral concern), or a plug-in computer device.
Common pairings
peripheral vision
peripheral device
peripheral issue
Word Forms
more peripheral comparative, peripherals plural, most peripheral superlative
Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “peripheral”
A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage
→
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
She noticed movement in her _____ vision.
Etymology
From periphery + -al, ultimately from Greek peripherēs ("carried around, revolving").
Synonyms
View more →Rhymes for peripheral
feral
general
liberal
funeral
lateral
mineral
federal
several
visceral
ephemeral
bilateral
collateral
See all rhymes for peripheral →