Synonyms

outbound

American

[out-bound] / ˈaʊtˈbaʊnd /

adjective

outward bound.

an outbound freighter.

outbound British

/ ˈaʊtˌbaʊnd /

adjective

going out; outward bound

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of outbound

First recorded in 1590–1600; out- + -bound ²

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Shopper numbers fell 15.9% to 5.7 million, another sign that weak confidence, soft discretionary spending and renewed outbound travel were eating into the island’s old appeal.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 23, 2026

South Korea’s exports started the year on a strong note, with outbound shipments surging in January on more working days and robust semiconductor demand.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 1, 2026

At Belfast International Airport, inbound and outbound flights have been cancelled on Monday due to the weather.

From BBC • Jan. 5, 2026

Chicago O’Hare saw 12% of its outbound flights canceled.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 9, 2025

He climbed on an outbound Desire bus and pondered the matter while the bus swung around and headed out on Bourbon Street, passing by the Night of Joy.

From "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023