outdoors

American  

[out-dawrz, -dohrz] / ˌaʊtˈdɔrz, -ˈdoʊrz /

adverb

1. out of doors; in the open air.

   He's happiest when he's outdoors.

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noun

1. (used with a singular verb) the world outside of or away from houses; open air.

   Our whole family likes the outdoors.

adjective

1. outdoor.

outdoors British  

/ ˌaʊtˈdɔːz /

adverb

1. Also: out-of-doors.  in the open air; outside

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noun

1. the world outside or far away from human habitation

   the great outdoors

outdoors Idioms  

1. see big as life (all outdoors).

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Etymology

Origin of outdoors

1810–20; earlier out ( of ) doors

Example Sentences

As the warmer weather summons us to spend more time outdoors, we might find ourselves feeling a little crowded.

From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026

Scottish actor James McAvoy has said his time working in Wales during the early part of his career sparked a love of the outdoors that still exists today.

From BBC • May 1, 2026

The nature program, once a full day outdoors, shrank to a 45-minute elective after some parents complained that their children were bored.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 30, 2026

Hundreds of guests in black tie in the ballroom took cover under tables and later made their way into the hotel lobby and then outdoors as the event was postponed.

From Barron's • Apr. 26, 2026

Ever since his childhood on his father’s Virginia farm, Washington had spent most of his days outdoors.

From "George Washington, Spymaster" by Thomas B. Allen

Related Words

• garden