out·doors
ˌau̇t-ˈdȯrz 
ˈau̇t-ˈdȯrz
: outside a building : in or into the open air
I went outdoors for some fresh air.
a game that is meant to be played outdoors
plural in form but singular in construction
1
: a place or location away from the confines of a building
Trees surround the home, blurring the lines between outdoors and indoors.—
Dawn Hammon
—usually used with theDawn Hammonlet in fresh air from the outdoors
2
: the natural world : the places outside of areas developed by humans
… those delighting in the wonders of outdoors.—Marina Brown
—usually used with theMarina Browna lover of the outdoors
… skiers in Maine can glory in the pleasures of the great outdoors—the ski areas are surrounded by some of the most breathtaking scenery in the state.—Down East
Down East
: outdoor
… stands displaying equipment and clothing covering a wide spectrum of outdoors pursuits.—Clive Tully
Clive TullySynonyms
Examples of outdoors in a Sentence
Adverb
The game is meant to be played outdoors.
He worked outdoors all afternoon.
I went outdoors for some fresh air.
Noun
our family loves to hike and camp in the great outdoors
Recent Examples on the Web
David Stempel, The Mercury News, 9 Nov. 2024
The musical Sunset Boulevard takes a brief detour outdoors during productions.
—Melvin Backman, Quartz, 8 Nov. 2024
Denny Lee, Travel + Leisure, 2 Nov. 2024
Indulge in a Bit of Camp A love of the outdoors guided this boy’s room, where Fornasetti’s Nuvolette wallpaper covers the ceiling and a tentlike wool plaid canopy hangs above the bed.
—Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 11 Oct. 2024
David Fischer and Terry Spencer, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2024
Lucas was known to dress in superhero costumes and loved the outdoors, especially cows.
—Anna Lazarus Caplan, People.com, 15 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for outdoors 
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Adverb
Even outdoors, you can be exposed to high levels of secondhand smoke if someone is smoking nearby.
—David Stempel, The Mercury News, 9 Nov. 2024
The musical Sunset Boulevard takes a brief detour outdoors during productions.
—Melvin Backman, Quartz, 8 Nov. 2024
Noun
The living area has a retractable glass wall that slides open, bringing the outdoors in.
—Denny Lee, Travel + Leisure, 2 Nov. 2024
Indulge in a Bit of Camp A love of the outdoors guided this boy’s room, where Fornasetti’s Nuvolette wallpaper covers the ceiling and a tentlike wool plaid canopy hangs above the bed.
—Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 11 Oct. 2024
Adjective
Frank Wright had been the outdoors type, perfect for living in Madeira Beach, a small barrier island community.
—David Fischer and Terry Spencer, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2024
Lucas was known to dress in superhero costumes and loved the outdoors, especially cows.
—Anna Lazarus Caplan, People.com, 15 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for outdoors
Dictionary Entries Near outdoors
Cite this Entry
“Outdoors.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outdoors. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
outdoors
1 of 2 adverb
out·doors
(ˈ)au̇t-ˈdō(ə)rz
-ˈdȯ(ə)rz
: outside a building : in or into the open air
outdoors
2 of 2 noun1
: a place away from or outside a building
2
: the world away from human dwellings
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