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
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 theDawn Hammonlet 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 theMarina Browna 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
Down East
: outdoor
… stands displaying equipment and clothing covering a wide spectrum of outdoors pursuits.—Clive Tully
Clive Tully
Synonyms
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.
Recent Examples on the WebJenna Sims, Southern Living, 28 Nov. 2023
In the photo, the newlyweds sat next to one another on a sofa outdoors, with floral arrangements surrounding the furniture.
—Angel Saunders, Peoplemag, 28 Nov. 2023
Here’s how to stay active outdoors during Pacific Standard Time.
—Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 28 Nov. 2023
Guests can also grill outdoors at the Finger Lakes Treehouse’s communal charcoal grill or hang in the seating area along the water.
—Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 28 Nov. 2023
These plants grow naturally outdoors shaded by a canopy of leaves.
—Janet B. Carson, arkansasonline.com, 20 Nov. 2023
Get outdoors: Seasonal depression is a type of depression that happens every year during a specific season, usually winter.
—Dominique Fluker, Essence, 17 Nov. 2023
Decorate trees, eaves, porches, and more with these lights that are dustproof, durable, and can be used both indoors and outdoors.
—Amy Schulman, Peoplemag, 16 Nov. 2023
The kit comes with cutlery as well as chef’s knives for every occasion, and is made with sustainable handle materials that are ergonomic, balanced, and rugged enough to be used outdoors.
—Sunset Magazine, 16 Nov. 2023
San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Oct. 2023
Big South Fork Scenic Railway Location: Stearns, Kentucky Explore the great outdoors from the comfort of a railcar with a trip on the Big South Fork Scenic Railway, which is owned and run by the McCreary County Heritage Foundation.
—Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 25 Sep. 2023
Spivey, a longtime outdoors enthusiast, also discusses growing up in Rogers and how those years shaped his love of sport.
—Rex Nelson, Arkansas Online, 22 Sep. 2023
Like many residents, easy access to the outdoors is one reason she’s made the Kenai Peninsula her home.
—Seward Hospitality, Anchorage Daily News, 23 Aug. 2023
Extend the aesthetic outdoors by featuring tomato plants, citrus trees, and other fruits and veggies in your garden.
—Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 July 2023
The poor air quality is leading to at outdoors event being canceled in the Milwaukee area and health departments urging people to take caution.
—Christopher Kuhagen, Journal Sentinel, 27 June 2023
But Roosa had brought a bit of the outdoors with him.
—John Kelly, Washington Post, 23 Sep. 2023
The Kylie Skin founder has been enjoying the great outdoors with her two children, Stormi, 5, and Aire, 17 months.
—Celeste McCauley, Peoplemag, 16 Sep. 2023
Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 16 Nov. 2023
Her brother Terry was the Tampa Bay Times’ outdoors editor for more than 25 years
Susan isn’t the only sibling to master their craft — as her brother Terry was a prolific journalist.
—Emily Weaver, Peoplemag, 4 Nov. 2023
Our waterfront is programmed with seasonal activities that will keep you enjoying the outdoors all year round.
—Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 30 Oct. 2023
The security camera mics probably recorded sounds from outdoors, other rooms and the adjacent unit.
—Barry Markovsky, Discover Magazine, 29 Oct. 2023
While here, kids can also brush up their compass navigation skills, learn to map the stars, identify animal tracks, prevent fires and other outdoors skills from a seasoned Rocky Mountain guide.
FALL QUIZ!
—Perri Ormont Blumberg Fox News, Fox News, 17 Oct. 2023
Editor’s note: The Wild is all about featuring a variety of exciting voices from SoCal’s outdoors scene.
—Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2023
In one of the home’s three bedrooms, an entire bedroom wall unfolds to the outdoors, similar to a drawbridge at the entrance of a castle.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 3 Sep. 2023
During her rotation, Seidman will write The Wild newsletter and also report on outdoors experiences.
—Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2023
See More
Adverb
This dense, 24-inch wreath can be used both indoors and outdoors to add a glow to your Christmas display.
—Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 28 Nov. 2023
In the photo, the newlyweds sat next to one another on a sofa outdoors, with floral arrangements surrounding the furniture.
—Angel Saunders, Peoplemag, 28 Nov. 2023
Here’s how to stay active outdoors during Pacific Standard Time.
—Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 28 Nov. 2023
Guests can also grill outdoors at the Finger Lakes Treehouse’s communal charcoal grill or hang in the seating area along the water.
—Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 28 Nov. 2023
These plants grow naturally outdoors shaded by a canopy of leaves.
—Janet B. Carson, arkansasonline.com, 20 Nov. 2023
Get outdoors: Seasonal depression is a type of depression that happens every year during a specific season, usually winter.
—Dominique Fluker, Essence, 17 Nov. 2023
Decorate trees, eaves, porches, and more with these lights that are dustproof, durable, and can be used both indoors and outdoors.
—Amy Schulman, Peoplemag, 16 Nov. 2023
The kit comes with cutlery as well as chef’s knives for every occasion, and is made with sustainable handle materials that are ergonomic, balanced, and rugged enough to be used outdoors.
—Sunset Magazine, 16 Nov. 2023
Noun
In this family-friendly community, kids ride their bikes and families enjoy the outdoors by visiting the area’s parks and trails.
—San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Oct. 2023
Big South Fork Scenic Railway Location: Stearns, Kentucky Explore the great outdoors from the comfort of a railcar with a trip on the Big South Fork Scenic Railway, which is owned and run by the McCreary County Heritage Foundation.
—Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 25 Sep. 2023
Spivey, a longtime outdoors enthusiast, also discusses growing up in Rogers and how those years shaped his love of sport.
—Rex Nelson, Arkansas Online, 22 Sep. 2023
Like many residents, easy access to the outdoors is one reason she’s made the Kenai Peninsula her home.
—Seward Hospitality, Anchorage Daily News, 23 Aug. 2023
Extend the aesthetic outdoors by featuring tomato plants, citrus trees, and other fruits and veggies in your garden.
—Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 July 2023
The poor air quality is leading to at outdoors event being canceled in the Milwaukee area and health departments urging people to take caution.
—Christopher Kuhagen, Journal Sentinel, 27 June 2023
But Roosa had brought a bit of the outdoors with him.
—John Kelly, Washington Post, 23 Sep. 2023
The Kylie Skin founder has been enjoying the great outdoors with her two children, Stormi, 5, and Aire, 17 months.
—Celeste McCauley, Peoplemag, 16 Sep. 2023
Adjective
But, lovers of the outdoors and long days don’t have to throw up their arms in defeat.
—Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 16 Nov. 2023
Her brother Terry was the Tampa Bay Times’ outdoors editor for more than 25 years
Susan isn’t the only sibling to master their craft — as her brother Terry was a prolific journalist.
—Emily Weaver, Peoplemag, 4 Nov. 2023
Our waterfront is programmed with seasonal activities that will keep you enjoying the outdoors all year round.
—Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 30 Oct. 2023
The security camera mics probably recorded sounds from outdoors, other rooms and the adjacent unit.
—Barry Markovsky, Discover Magazine, 29 Oct. 2023
While here, kids can also brush up their compass navigation skills, learn to map the stars, identify animal tracks, prevent fires and other outdoors skills from a seasoned Rocky Mountain guide.
FALL QUIZ!
—Perri Ormont Blumberg Fox News, Fox News, 17 Oct. 2023
Editor’s note: The Wild is all about featuring a variety of exciting voices from SoCal’s outdoors scene.
—Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2023
In one of the home’s three bedrooms, an entire bedroom wall unfolds to the outdoors, similar to a drawbridge at the entrance of a castle.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 3 Sep. 2023
During her rotation, Seidman will write The Wild newsletter and also report on outdoors experiences.
—Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'outdoors.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Dictionary Entries Near outdoors
Cite this Entry
“Outdoors.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outdoors. Accessed 3 Dec. 2023.
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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 noun1
: a place away from or outside a building
2
: the world away from human dwellings
More from Merriam-Webster on outdoors
Nglish: Translation of outdoors for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of outdoors for Arabic Speakers
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