outdoor

American  

[out-dawr, -dohr] / ˈaʊtˌdɔr, -ˌdoʊr /

adjective

1. Also characteristic of, located, occurring, or belonging outdoors.

   an outdoor barbecue; outdoor sports.

2. outdoorsy.

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outdoor British  

/ ˈaʊtˈdɔː /

adjective

1. Also: out-of-door.  (prenominal) taking place, existing, or intended for use in the open air

   outdoor games

   outdoor clothes

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Etymology

Origin of outdoor

First recorded in 1740–50; out- + door

Explanation

Things that are outdoor belong outside. Your slippers aren't outdoor shoes, but your snow boots are definitely outdoor shoes. A picnic is an outdoor meal, and a sculpture garden is often an outdoor area of a museum. Bird watching, surfing, and snowball fights are all outdoor activities, and if you're an outdoor enthusiast you probably enjoy them more than watching TV or baking cookies. The adjective outdoor was first used in the 1740s, with the related adverb outdoors following in the 1800s.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

outdoor

“A glass-and-timber gym, barrel sauna, outdoor soaking tub, multiple covered terraces, five-car garage, and parking for four additional vehicles complete the property,” reads the listing.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 28, 2026

Old Westminster set up outdoor igloos during the pandemic, then replaced them with a modernist village of A-frame “cabanas.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 27, 2026

Thames Water said: "While there is enough water for essential use, we need to reduce non-essential outdoor demand to keep taps flowing."

From BBC ● Jul. 25, 2026

The comedy is still the thing in this frolicsome outdoor production, which takes place in the charming ambiance of the festival’s portable, mini-Elizabethan venue.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 23, 2026

Bowling birthday parties and ice-skating at the outdoor rink and making bracelets with Celia.

From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison

Related Words

• rustic