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 of outdoors

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

Broccoli seeds will germinate outdoors in soil temperatures as low as 45°F. —Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 27 Feb. 2026

Here are five really tempting reasons to lace up your snow boots, throw on your coziest layers, and safely enjoy the final weeks of the season outdoors. —Emma Loewe, Outside, 26 Feb. 2026

Noun

Mountain Highs and Valley Lows Hong Kong's great outdoors is an adrenaline junkie's dream, cloaked in an urban disguise. —Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Feb. 2026

To combine winter charms, the outdoors and tourism, another exceptional vacation spot with a ton of snow that is a personal favorite of mine is France’s Chamonix. —Larry Olmsted, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026

Adjective

Objects that are outdoors should be secured and caution should be taken if driving. —Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 1 Mar. 2026

Objects that are outdoors should be secured and caution should be taken if driving. —Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 24 Feb. 2026

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