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

• alfresco
• out
• outside

Noun

• nature
• open
• open air
• out-of-doors
• wild
• 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, 16 May 2025

Both are bright enough to be usable outdoors, though the Ultra is noticeably brighter. —ArsTechnica, 15 May 2025

Noun

Nor is there demonstrable evidence to show that the presence of hunters afield negatively impacts the enjoyment of the outdoors by non-hunters. —Brandon Gleason, Hartford Courant, 16 May 2025

With spring officially here, maybe there’s no better way to spend spring break for the Stern family of Libertyville than to stay inside to prepare for the great outdoors of opening day youth baseball. —Karie Angell Luc, Chicago Tribune, 25 Mar. 2025

Adjective

Objects that are outdoors should be secured and caution should be taken if driving. —Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 18 May 2025

The movie will shoot mainly in Europe, addition to a few days in New York for the outdoors scenes, Garcia said. —Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 14 May 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