outdoors

1 of 4

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 4

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 4

adjective (1)

: outdoor

… stands displaying equipment and clothing covering a wide spectrum of outdoors pursuits.

—Clive Tully

outdoors

4 of 4

adjective (2)

out·​doors

ˈau̇t-ˌdȯrz, 

ˈau̇t-ˈdȯrz 

less common variant of outdoor

1

: of or relating to the outdoors

2

a

: performed outdoors

outdoor sports

b

: outdoorsy

an outdoor couple

3

: not enclosed : having no roof

an outdoor restaurant

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

The artwork will be presented outdoors at Tersane Istanbul, the historic Ottoman shipyard on the Golden Horn, as one of the fair’s special projects. — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 17 Sep. 2026

PatBo, designed by founder and creative director Patricia Bonaldi, looked to Brazilian modernism and landscape design for its spring collection, which was presented outdoors at Domino Square in Brooklyn on Tuesday. — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 17 Sep. 2026

Noun

Centred on a Canadian summer, the great outdoors steals the show throughout the series. — Connor Sturges, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Aug. 2026

Not many indoor cats like leashes or traversing the great outdoors with their person. — Emily Tarinelli, Los Angeles Times, 5 Aug. 2026

Adjective

Academy Sports and Outdoors — The outdoors apparel retailer saw shares gain 8%. — Ananya Chetia, CNBC, 9 Sep. 2026

That energy is what inspired this week’s edition of The Wild, our weekly outdoors newsletter. — Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adverb

circa 1729, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1826, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective (1)

1790, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing outdoors

• the great outdoors

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