outer space

noun

: space immediately outside the earth's atmosphere
broadly : interplanetary or interstellar space

Examples of outer space in a Sentence

a satellite in outer space Is there life in outer space?
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The movie is fantastic, a true thriller, and while some liberties were taken with the depiction of outer space, the basic premise of a cascading series of collisions rendering orbits too cluttered with debris to be usable is valid. — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 23 Sep. 2026 The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, a colossal pet project by the man who invented the Star Wars franchise, makes no apologies for looking like a spaceship arrived from outer space. — Philip Kennicott, Washington Post, 21 Sep. 2026 In traditional filmmaking, movies featuring underwater environments, outer space, monsters and war all required steep budgets. — Ling Wei, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026 ByCelia Shatzman Some kids dream of becoming President of the United States or going into outer space. — Celia Shatzman, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for outer space

Word History

First Known Use

1842, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of outer space was in 1842

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Outer space.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outer%20space. Accessed 3 Oct. 2026.

Kids Definition

outer space

noun
: space entry 1 sense 4
especially : the region beyond the solar system
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