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

The rough outer skin found on cantaloupe may be more likely to harbor germs and bacteria that can cause illness.2 Ultimately, both fruits are healthy additions to your diet. —T'keyah Bazin, Verywell Health, 6 Aug. 2025

Many people also notice hair loss or thinning along the outer third of the eyebrows and on their arms, legs, underarms and pubic area, says Kopelman. —Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 6 Aug. 2025

This outer layer is present in all varieties of chickpeas. —Sarah Garone, Health, 5 Aug. 2025

The outer boroughs look like war zones, ethnic gangs run rampant, midtown is littered with massage parlors and peep shows, and the police have their hands full with militants and double-digit murder rates. —David Fear, Rolling Stone, 3 Aug. 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