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

• 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

Human colon cells line the inner surface, while fibroblasts embedded in the outer layer re-create the mucosal environment that supports colon function. —Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 15 Oct. 2025

Around 60 percent of imports at Chattogram Port are handled at its outer anchorage. —Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 15 Oct. 2025

From a small room in Prague to the outer reaches of the cosmos, these horror stories will fill you with dread and questions. —Big Think, 14 Oct. 2025

Scarring the outer retina can cause people to lose their peripheral vision, color vision and night vision. —Liz Szabo, Scientific American, 14 Oct. 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