outer

adjective

out·​er ˈau̇-tər 

1

: existing independent of mind : objective

outer reality

2

a

: situated farther out

the outer limits

b

: being away from a center

the planet's outer rings

c

: situated or belonging on the outside

an outer covering

Synonyms of outer

• exterior
• outward

Examples of outer in a Sentence

the outer edges of the roof

The package's outer covering was damaged.

I removed the outer skin of the onion.

Her inner turmoil was masked by an outer calm.

Recent Examples on the Web

The outer layer of the capsule is made from gelatin coated with a layer of cellulose and either molybdenum or tungsten, which blocks any RF signal from being emitted. —Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 9 Jan. 2026

In a first for the Sphere in Las Vegas, the venue’s outer shell (it’s called the Exosphere) will debut an interactive game Thursday, in a partnership with Lego and Disney’s Lucasfilm. —Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 8 Jan. 2026

The outer bands of baseball season arrive this weekend, and not a moment too soon. —Ben Crandell, Sun Sentinel, 7 Jan. 2026

There had been less opportunity to come out here since the boat-charter business took off, but Parrish still felt drawn to the outer islands. —Henry Wismayer, Travel + Leisure, 7 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from out entry 4 + -er entry 1

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing outer

• come-outer
• down-and-outer
• out-and-outer
• outer ear
• outer planet
• outer space

Rhymes for outer

• doubter
• lauter
• stouter

Kids Definition

outer

adjective

out·​er ˈau̇t-ər 

1

: located on the outside or farther out

the outer wall

2

: being away from a center

the outer planets of the solar system