outer

adjective

out·​er ˈau̇-tər How to pronounce outer (audio)
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

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 sleeping bag has great heat retention and is filled with down insulation for below-freezing adventures, and the nylon outer shell is durable, yet soft to the touch. Amanda Ogle, Southern Living, 28 Nov. 2023 This thigh-length coat features a sleek appearance with a waterproof and breathable outer layer. Gabrielle Porcaro, Travel + Leisure, 27 Nov. 2023 Use a topical peel to exfoliate (remove) dead skin cells from the outer layer of your skin. Hallie Gould, Health, 25 Nov. 2023 Technically, there is no outer edge to our atmosphere. Paul M. Sutter, Discover Magazine, 23 Nov. 2023 Squamous cell carcinomas develop in the airways of the lungs, as opposed to adenocarcinomas that develop on the outer edges of the lungs. Sanja Jelic, Verywell Health, 17 Nov. 2023 Lady Nina has three, with the two outer ones doing the steering and the center one acting as a booster. Howard Walker, Robb Report, 17 Nov. 2023 This causes inflammation of your conjunctiva (the membrane that covers your eye) and cornea (the clear outer layer in the front of your eye). Korin Miller, Health, 17 Nov. 2023 The outer total is only used to add up the contributions. Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 16 Nov. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'outer.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of outer was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near outer

Cite this Entry

“Outer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outer. Accessed 5 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

outer

adjective
out·​er ˈau̇t-ər How to pronounce outer (audio)
1
: located on the outside or farther out
the outer wall
2
: being away from a center
the outer planets of the solar system

More from Merriam-Webster on outer

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