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.
Key Headlines Hurricane Erin's outer bands are now brushing North Carolina's Outer Banks and conditions are expected to continue to deteriorate through the night. — Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 21 Aug. 2025 The outer bands of Hurricane Erin are brushing North Carolina's Outer Banks, as beachgoers along most U.S. East Coast shores are being warned against swimming due to the risk of life-threatening surf and rip currents, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) said Wednesday night. — Robert Birsel, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Aug. 2025 The outer display and rear panel are protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, which is one of the toughest available. — PC Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025 The rough outer skin found on cantaloupe may be more likely to harbor germs and bacteria that can cause illness.2 Ultimately, both fruits are healthy additions to your diet. — T'keyah Bazin, Verywell Health, 6 Aug. 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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Outer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outer. Accessed 1 Sep. 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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