outer

adjective

out·​er ˈau̇-tər 

1

: existing independent of mind : objective

outer reality

2

a

: situated farther out

the outer limits

b

: being away from a center

the planet's outer rings

c

: situated or belonging on the outside

an outer covering

Synonyms of outer

• exterior
• outward

Examples of outer in a Sentence

the outer edges of the roof

The package's outer covering was damaged.

I removed the outer skin of the onion.

Her inner turmoil was masked by an outer calm.

Recent Examples on the Web

Václav Široký During totality, the moon blocks the overwhelming glare of the solar disk, revealing delicate structures in the sun’s outer atmosphere, the corona. — IEEE Spectrum, 5 Nov. 2026

The outer edge of the stems offers touch controls, supporting multiple taps and long presses. — Mark Knapp, PC Magazine, 5 Nov. 2026

Reviewers also wrote that the outer materials are soft and the insole is very comfortable right out of the box. — Abby Hepworth, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2026

Traveling through the atmosphere at several times the speed of sound generates intense aerodynamic heating, placing demanding requirements on the vehicle’s outer materials and protective structures. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 4 Nov. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from out entry 4 + -er entry 1

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing outer

• come-outer
• down-and-outer
• out-and-outer
• outer ear
• outer planet
• outer space

Rhymes for outer

• doubter
• lauter
• stouter

Kids Definition

outer

adjective

out·​er ˈau̇t-ər 

1

: located on the outside or farther out

the outer wall

2

: being away from a center

the outer planets of the solar system