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

• outside
• out

Noun

• 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

Depending on the dog size and breed, your pet may be able to head outdoors to relieve themselves for a few minutes. —Jenna Prestininzi, USA Today, 15 Oct. 2025

The winter shelter on Tibbs Avenue will open amid a new year-long effort, Streets to Home Indy, to move more than 300 people sleeping outdoors across Marion County into apartments by July 2026. —Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 15 Oct. 2025

Noun

Ranging from typical outdoors tones to the head-turning orange offering, Stüssy’s take on the revitalized boot offers a variety of different looks. —Riley Jones, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2025

Adjective

Objects that are outdoors should be secured and caution should be taken if driving. —Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 14 Oct. 2025

Friends and relatives said Rachel and Brandon seemed inseparable and shared a love for travel, the outdoors and quiet evenings with their two dogs, Dash and Cedar. —Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 14 Oct. 2025

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

Rhymes for outdoors

• abhors
• adores
• bookstores
• centaurs
• concours
• deplores
• downpours
• drugstores
• encores
• explores
• ignores
• implores

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