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 loop of I-285 east express lanes are projected to open. — Sara Gregory, AJC.com, 15 Oct. 2026

The engineers then wound carbon fiber around the mandrel to create the vessel’s outer structure. — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 14 Oct. 2026

Otherworldly was the result at Mugler, as well, where outer eyelashes got extruded like whiskers. — Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026

Bright stars glimmer between the solar panels and outer hulls of the ISS and visiting spacecraft, painted purple by the auroral display. — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 13 Oct. 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