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

Here are recommendations for maintaining safety during a thunderstorm: To lower the risk of lightning strikes, when going outdoors, develop a plan to reach a safer spot. —Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 1 July 2025

Here are suggestions for staying safe during a thunderstorm: To lower the risk of lightning strikes, when going outdoors, develop a plan to reach a safer spot. —Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2025

Noun

The residences at Tributary are sophisticated homes that incorporate a Western sensibility and a design that invites the outdoors in, with open floor plans, use of local materials, and meticulous craftsmanship. —Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 6 June 2025

Where to stay: The Nines offers hotel guests an easy way to explore the great outdoors and beauty of Oregon outside the hustle and bustle of downtown Portland. —Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025

Adjective

Ascend Amphitheater, which is outdoors, can accommodate 6,800 attendees. —Molly Davis, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025

As the price, size, and weight of these power stations decrease, the amount of energy people are taking outdoors increases. —Wes Siler, Outside Online, 21 June 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