peripheral

1 of 2

adjective

pe·​riph·​er·​al pə-ˈri-f(ə-)rəl How to pronounce peripheral (audio)
1
: of, relating to, involving, or forming a periphery or surface part
2
a
: of, relating to, affecting, or being part of the peripheral nervous system
peripheral nerves
peripheral neuritis
b
: of, relating to, or being blood in the systemic circulation
peripheral lymphocytes
3
: of, relating to, or being the outer part of the field of vision
good peripheral vision
4
: auxiliary, supplementary
peripheral equipment
also : of or relating to computer peripherals
peripherally adverb

peripheral

2 of 2

noun

: a device connected to a computer to provide communication (such as input and output) or auxiliary functions (such as additional storage)

Did you know?

Your peripheral vision is the outer area of your field of vision, where you can still detect movement and shapes. It can be very valuable when, for instance, you're driving into Chicago at rush hour, especially when switching lanes. When people call an issue in a discussion peripheral, they mean that it's not of primary importance, and they're probably suggesting that everyone get back to the main topic. Peripheral is now also a noun: computer peripherals are the added components—printers, webcams, microphones, etc.—that increase a computer's capacities.

Examples of peripheral in a Sentence

Adjective If we focus too much on peripheral issues, we will lose sight of the goal. peripheral devices such as modems and scanners He saw in his peripheral vision that a car was trying to pass him.
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.
Adjective
The role of the expectant father has been largely silent in the portrayal of this struggle, cast as a peripheral figure in an attack on women's rights. Gemma Allen, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024 Those settlements show another, quieter front in China’s expanding efforts to assert its control over disputed, peripheral territories – also playing out in the South and East China Seas – as Chinese leader Xi Jinping seeks to bolster national security and enhance China’s position over its rivals. Simone McCarthy, CNN, 5 Nov. 2024
Noun
Love them or hate them, Apple’s peripherals have a distinctive visual appeal, and that’s especially true of the Magic Trackpad. PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024 Like all of Logitech’s peripherals these days, the POP Icon Keys and POP Mouse are designed with sustainability in mind. Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 8 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for peripheral 

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1808, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1966, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of peripheral was in 1808

Dictionary Entries Near peripheral

Cite this Entry

“Peripheral.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/peripheral. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

peripheral

1 of 2 adjective
pe·​riph·​er·​al pə-ˈrif-(ə-)rəl How to pronounce peripheral (audio)
1
: of, relating to, located in, or forming a periphery
2
: auxiliary entry 1, supplementary
peripheral equipment
peripherally
adverb

peripheral

2 of 2 noun
: a device connected to a computer to provide communication (as input and output) or extra storage capacity

Medical Definition

peripheral

adjective
pe·​riph·​er·​al pə-ˈrif-(ə-)rəl How to pronounce peripheral (audio)
1
: of, relating to, involving, forming, or located near a periphery or surface part (as of the body)
2
: of, relating to, affecting, or being part of the peripheral nervous system
peripheral nerves
3
: of, relating to, or being the outer part of the visual field
good peripheral vision
4
: of, relating to, or being blood in the systemic circulation
peripheral lymphocytes
peripheral blood
peripherally adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on peripheral

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!