What does peripheral mean?
Peripheral describes something that lies at the outside edge of a place, object, system, or subject. The word can refer literally to outer regions, as in “peripheral vision,” and figuratively to matters of secondary importance, as in “a peripheral concern.” It also has established technical meanings: in computing, a peripheral is a device that supports a central computer or system, while in medicine, peripheral describes structures away from the central organs, including the peripheral nervous system. Its connotation is usually neutral, although it can suggest that something is marginal, minor, or detached from the main focus. The word is useful when describing location, scope, or subordinate function, but it should not be used as a vague substitute for “unimportant” without a clear context.
Relating to or situated on the outer edge of something; forming a peripheral part.
"The city has experienced rapid growth in its peripheral districts."
Can also mean secondary or of limited importance, especially in discussion of topics or issues.
A device that is connected to and used with a central computer or other main system, such as a printer, keyboard, or monitor.
"The technician connected several peripherals to the workstation."
The technical noun sense is chiefly used in computing and is usually plural in general use: “computer peripherals.”
Usually used for computer devices connected to a central system; the plural is common in technical and consumer contexts.
"The office replaced its keyboards and other peripherals with newer models."
From the Greek for “carrying around,” peripheral originally described what went around the outside—and the word still describes everything beyond the center.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does peripheral come from?
The adjective comes through Latin from the Greek peripheria, meaning “circumference” or “outer region,” ultimately from Greek periphérein, “to carry around.” English has used the word since the early 17th century for the outer edge or boundary of a place or body, and its modern figurative and technical senses developed from that spatial sense. The related noun periphery preserves the same underlying idea of an outer boundary or surrounding region.
Related word forms
How peripheral is actually used
The word is common in general, academic, technical, and medical English. In computing, “peripheral” commonly means a device attached to a central computer, such as a printer or keyboard. The medical sense is established but should be distinguished from “peripheral vascular disease,” which specifically concerns blood vessels outside the central organs.
Easily confused with peripheral
“Peripheral” is usually an adjective describing something at the edge or of secondary importance, whereas “periphery” is a noun meaning the outer boundary or surrounding area.