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Synonyms

outer

American  
[ou-ter] / ˈaʊ tər /

adjective

  1. situated on or toward the outside; external; exterior.

    outer garments; an outer wall.

  2. situated farther out or farther from the center.

    the outer reaches of space.

  3. of or relating to the external world.


outer British  
/ ˈaʊtə /

adjective

  1. being or located on the outside; external

  2. further from the middle or central part

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. archery

    1. the white outermost ring on a target

    2. a shot that hits this ring

  2. the unsheltered part of the spectator area at a sports ground

  3. informal excluded or neglected

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of outer

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; see origin at out, -er 4

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.

See Examples For:

"We urge the US side to stop expanding its military capabilities and preparing for war in outer space," ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun told a news briefing.

From Barron's Sep. 15, 2026

In this scenario, dense, water-rich portions of Earth's cooler outer crust periodically sagged downward and collapsed into the hotter mantle, transporting water with them.

From Science Daily Sep. 13, 2026

Apple rearranged the interface on the outer screen so it looks different than traditional iPhones.

From The Wall Street Journal Sep. 10, 2026

If, say, you’re watching a video on the outer screen, you can open the Duo to switch to the bigger display within.

From The Wall Street Journal Sep. 10, 2026

“As sure as I can be. On the outer bank, I don’t see any abandoned wagons.”

From "Will’s Race for Home" by Jewell Parker Rhodes

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