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.

The number of outbound TEUs fell 0.5% to about 128,000 in April.

From Los Angeles Times • May 11, 2026

Analysts see China’s planned outbound investment restrictions as an effort to ward off the loss of more AI talent and intellectual property, and to warn any Chinese start-ups looking to “de-China” themselves.

From Barron's • Apr. 27, 2026

“We think the current wave of outbound investment signals a structural shift in the sector,” Ao says in a report.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

About 70% of the crossings were outbound from the Persian Gulf, Marine Traffic said.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 10, 2026

They met no great storms, and steered steadily enough by the compass and by the star Tolbegren, taking a course somewhat northward of their outbound way.

From "A Wizard of Earthsea" by Ursula K. Le Guin

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