outdoor

American  

[aut-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

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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

Elsewhere, the estate came equipped with multiple wood-burning fireplaces, an elevator, an outdoor barbecue area, and a seven-car garage.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 22, 2026

Joe Raboine is the vice president of design at Belgard, a manufacturer of pavers, retaining walls and outdoor living products.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 21, 2026

In 1973, Dale and Alonzo launched Brockman Gallery Productions, a nonprofit that produced outdoor exhibitions, film festivals and community classes.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 19, 2026

The challenge now is helping people overcome barriers to outdoor activity, such as safety concerns, fear of falling, or simply preferring the comfort of the sofa – particularly during wetter, colder months.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 19, 2026

Beside the row of outdoor toilets was a basin with a tin cup on a chain.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom

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Related Words

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