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

In colder months the pods tend to split up and spend more time on the outer coasts of Washington State, Oregon and even California. —Kelso Harper, Scientific American, 16 Dec. 2025

This results in the star's outer layers, and most of its mass, being blown away in a supernova explosion. —Robert Lea, Space.com, 16 Dec. 2025

Apply it to the outer corner, then use your fingernail to gently pull the product into a line to find your ideal angle before committing to liquid liner. —Iman Balagam, Vogue, 15 Dec. 2025

The outer doors to the campus building were unlocked because of final exams, authorities said. —Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 15 Dec. 2025

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