outdoors

1 of 3

adverb

out·​doors ˌau̇t-ˈdȯrz 

ˈau̇t-ˈdȯrz

: outside a building : in or into the open air

I went outdoors for some fresh air.

a game that is meant to be played outdoors

outdoors

2 of 3

noun

plural in form but singular in construction

1

: a place or location away from the confines of a building

Trees surround the home, blurring the lines between outdoors and indoors.

—Dawn Hammon

—usually used with the

let in fresh air from the outdoors

2

: the natural world : the places outside of areas developed by humans

… those delighting in the wonders of outdoors.

—Marina Brown

—usually used with the

a lover of the outdoors

… skiers in Maine can glory in the pleasures of the great outdoors—the ski areas are surrounded by some of the most breathtaking scenery in the state.

—Down East

outdoors

3 of 3

adjective

: outdoor

… stands displaying equipment and clothing covering a wide spectrum of outdoors pursuits.

—Clive Tully

Synonyms

Adverb

• alfresco
• out
• outside

Noun

• nature
• open
• open air
• out-of-doors
• wild
• wilderness

Examples of outdoors in a Sentence

Adverb

The game is meant to be played outdoors.

He worked outdoors all afternoon.

I went outdoors for some fresh air.

Noun

our family loves to hike and camp in the great outdoors

Recent Examples on the Web

Adverb

With thunderstorms and flooding possible this weekend, the National Weather Service in Springfield advises those headed outdoors to areas like the Lake of the Ozarks for floating, boating or camping to consider weather safety. —Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 7 June 2024

An ideal event venue with space for up to 125 people outdoors and 50 indoors; ▪ Guest house. —David Caraccio, Sacramento Bee, 7 June 2024

Noun

So, using their Beagle Scout Manual as their guide, Snoopy leads them into the great outdoors to earn their badges. —Sari Hitchins, Parents, 12 June 2024

Set your plants or floral arrangements near this sconce to really capture the essence of bringing the outdoors inside. —Wendy Vazquez, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 June 2024

Adjective

Other 2024 Plaza closings include the gift shop Hallmark Gold Crown, the Brazilian sweets shop Sweet Kiss Brigadeiro, the outdoors store Moosejaw, and clothing retailers Soft Surroundings and Forever 21. —David Hudnall, Kansas City Star, 29 May 2024

The family enjoys the outdoors, and nowhere more so than in the Sky Islands. —Brandon Loomis, The Arizona Republic, 20 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Adverb

circa 1729, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1826, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1790, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

outdoors

1 of 2 adverb

out·​doors (ˈ)au̇t-ˈdō(ə)rz 

-ˈdȯ(ə)rz

: outside a building : in or into the open air

outdoors

2 of 2 noun

1

: a place away from or outside a building

2

: the world away from human dwellings