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

According to data from the CPA, 115 vessels were waiting for cargo handling, including 96 at the outer anchorage and 14 at the jetty as of Wednesday. —Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 5 Feb. 2026

On her face, smudgy black eyeliner extends from the outer corner of each eye. —Nicola Dall'asen, Allure, 5 Feb. 2026

Think of this as the pessimistic, narrower option, where the greenhouse effect curtails the zone's inner edge and the loss of carbon dioxide from a planetary atmosphere marks its outer edge. —Keith Cooper, Space.com, 4 Feb. 2026

The smallest ring is typically painted red, the middle ring is left white and the outer ring blue. —Matt Slater, New York Times, 4 Feb. 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