outpost

American  

[out-pohst] / ˈaʊtˌpoʊst /

noun

1. a station established at a distance from the main body of an army to protect it from surprise attack.

   We keep only a small garrison of men at our desert outposts.

2. the body of troops stationed there; detachment or perimeter guard.

3. an outlying settlement, installation, position, etc.

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outpost British  

/ ˈaʊtˌpəʊst /

noun

1. military

   1. a position stationed at a distance from the area occupied by a major formation

   2. the troops assigned to such a position

2. an outlying settlement or position

3. a limit or frontier

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Etymology

Origin of outpost

First recorded in 1750–60; out- + post ²

Example Sentences

The base allows the U.S. to defend its interests quickly from the Pacific to the Middle East, and the outpost is essential for everything from logistics to parking U.S.

From The Wall Street Journal

The U.K. last week granted approval for China to build its biggest diplomatic outpost in Europe in central London.

From The Wall Street Journal

It also carries uncertainty for the U.S. troops at multiple outposts in northeast Syria.

From The Wall Street Journal

Mr. Robb’s attunement makes him a master geographer of the oldest and newest forms of life on a “sodden, self-aggrandizing island outpost.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Rarely has a European government opened a diplomatic outpost so quickly to serve a territory whose latest census records just 24 French residents.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• frontier
• settlement
• station