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

See Examples For:

outdoor

Studies of passive cooling in homes have found that night-time ventilation can reduce overheating, although effectiveness depends on the building, outdoor temperature, safety, noise and air quality.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 29, 2026

But she wanted more in 2026 and to finally claim that milestone outdoor gold.

From BBC ● Jul. 29, 2026

“A glass-and-timber gym, barrel sauna, outdoor soaking tub, multiple covered terraces, five-car garage, and parking for four additional vehicles complete the property,” reads the listing.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 28, 2026

VAT has been reduced on children's meals served in restaurants as well as kids' and family tickets for cinemas, shows, exhibitions and outdoor venues and activities.

From BBC ● Jul. 27, 2026

Barack’s team was gambling with an outdoor announcement, but it wasn’t my place to second-guess.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama

Related Words

• rustic