Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

on the outside

idiom

Definition of on the outside

1 : on the outer side, edge, or surface of something
  • The number 22 car tried to pass the leader on the outside (of the track).
2 baseball : on the side of home plate farthest from the batter
  • The next pitch was a fastball on the outside.
3 —used to describe someone's appearance
  • I might seem calm on the outside, but I'm actually really nervous.
4 : not in prison
  • He looked forward to life on the outside again.

Word by Word Definitions

outside play

  1. : a place or region beyond an enclosure or boundary: such as

  2. : the world beyond the confines of an institution (such as a prison)

  3. : the world beyond the territory or state of Alaska

  1. : of, relating to, or being on or toward the outer side or surface

  2. : of, relating to, or being on or toward the outer side of a curve or turn

  3. : of, relating to, or being on or near the outside

  1. : on or to the outside

  2. : outdoors

  1. used as a function word to indicate movement to or position on the outer side of

  2. : beyond the limits of

  3. : except

See the full definition of outside

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up on the outside? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games