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

That outdoor space comes in the form of a sweeping terrace that wraps around much of the property and comes complete with multiple seating areas.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 13, 2026

At Irlam Library in Salford, the outdoor area now includes "story nooks" and immersive play-based reading activities.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

Hancock Park will stay partially open, with new walking paths and outdoor features set to be phased in coordination with construction.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

Many shops were closed and outdoor cafes were packed in upscale neighbourhoods, as Tehran's legendary traffic jams vanished on Wednesday.

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026

I packed a bag of sour cream and onion chips that I found in our kitchen cabinet, an outdoor blanket for all of us to sit on, and a pack of playing cards.

From "A Soft Place to Land" by Janae Marks

Related Words

• rustic