Words / A2

OWTSK-urts/ˈaʊtskɜːts/

The outskirts are the edge of a town, furthest from the centre: on the outskirts, the outskirts of Leeds. Centre / city centre is the contrast. Suburb is a cousin for a residential area on the edge. Always plural in this meaning (not “an outskirt”). Do not write outskirts when you mean outside, or skyline.

Meaning

The parts of a town or city that are furthest from the centre.

Examples

• “Our hotel is on the outskirts, near the ring road.”
• “The factory is on the outskirts, next to the motorway.”
• “Buses from the outskirts take forty minutes.”

Good to know

on the outskirts of … (plural). Contrast: city centre. Cousin: suburb. Mix-up: outside.

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