outdoor
Americanadjective
-
Also characteristic of, located, occurring, or belonging outdoors.
an outdoor barbecue; outdoor sports.
adjective
Etymology
Origin of outdoor
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The softer demand for big-ticket items comes ahead of Memorial Day sales, typically a time to find deals on outdoor furniture, mattresses, appliances and other goods.
From MarketWatch • May 15, 2026
The stock’s initial run-up, which peaked in early 2022 reflected Covid-era excitement for outdoor gear, especially its trendy $45 water bottles, but the hype eventually wore off.
From Barron's • May 14, 2026
It helps put on trade shows and conferences around the country, including the outdoor sports show Outdoor Retailer.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 11, 2026
"I actually ended up buying myself a canoe after I lost my leg because all I want to do is get back to outdoor activities," she said.
From BBC • May 10, 2026
“And the outdoor pool in the community center hasn’t been open for years.”
From "Marcus Vega Doesn't Speak Spanish" by Pablo Cartaya
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
