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

The developing eye benefits from the brighter, more varied light and focusing that outdoors requires. —John La Puma, Oc Register, 26 Mar. 2026

Just be mindful of safety around little ones when carrying boiling water outdoors. —Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 26 Mar. 2026

Noun

His experiences here helped forge his passion for the outdoors and conservation, spurring him to use his presidential influence to establish the United States Forest Service, 150 national forests, and five national parks. —Karthika Gupta, Travel + Leisure, 11 Mar. 2026

The outdoors tends to strip things down—ego, distraction, noise. —Outside, 10 Mar. 2026

Adjective

That may mean a better quality of life as defined by a more walkable community, access to attractions like the outdoors or cultural events, fresh food, or other perks. —Andrea Riquier, USA Today, 22 Mar. 2026

The home, which overlooks orange groves, has many pockets of outdoors space to relax in. —Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 18 Mar. 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

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