outer

adjective

out·​er ˈau̇-tər How to pronounce outer (audio)
Synonyms of outernext
1
: existing independent of mind : objective
outer reality
2
a
: situated farther out
the outer limits
b
: being away from a center
the planet's outer rings
c
: situated or belonging on the outside
an outer covering

Synonyms

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of outer in a Sentence

the outer edges of the roof The package's outer covering was damaged. I removed the outer skin of the onion. Her inner turmoil was masked by an outer calm.
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.
The only other outer borough inclusion in the new list is Field Guide, a contemporary neighborhood restaurant in Williamsburg. — Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025 The figs would cook until their tough outer skin softened and some began to burst open to gently ooze their seedy pulp, thickening the mixture into a grainy, molasses-brown syrup, while other figs remained whole, their thick stems still attached. — Claude Barilleaux, Christian Science Monitor, 9 Apr. 2025 Drivers traveling south from Ouray to Silverton, will be on the steep outer side of the highway, while those driving north (from Silverton to Ouray) will hug the inside of the cliff face. — Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 9 Apr. 2025 For now, Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi remain closed off from the outer world and continue to be observed by veterinary staff and researchers at their undisclosed preserve. — Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for outer

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from out entry 4 + -er entry 1

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of outer was in the 13th century

Phrases Containing outer

Rhymes for outer

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Browse Nearby Words

outen
outer
Outer Banks
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Cite this Entry

“Outer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outer. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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Kids Definition

outer

adjective
out·​er ˈau̇t-ər How to pronounce outer (audio)
1
: located on the outside or farther out
the outer wall
2
: being away from a center
the outer planets of the solar system

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