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

Bend, a popular destination for its natural beauty and outdoor recreation scene, "is devastated," Vanetsky said.

From Barron's ● Oct. 16, 2026

Alongside the outdoor experiment, the scientists carried out laboratory tests using soil collected from the same forest.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 16, 2026

Winding paths and planting weave between the blocks, connecting them and linking shared outdoor spaces.

From BBC ● Oct. 15, 2026

The listing emphasizes the home’s connection to nature, with its large windows, outdoor entertaining areas, and landscaped surroundings creating a retreat-like atmosphere.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 15, 2026

Fabienne, Carmen, and Eric spent a great deal of time in outdoor restaurants, discussing their love of life and enjoying colas served without ice.

From "Me Talk Pretty One Day" by David Sedaris

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