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

Ironically, the cloaked and armored marble statue of the goddess was found face down in the rubble near the outer wall of the stage. —Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 26 Apr. 2026

If those platforms' outer defenses are no longer reliable, what exactly is standing between your data and someone who wants it? —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 25 Apr. 2026

This X-ray glow is radiated when the heavy ions of the solar wind, like carbon and oxygen, grab an electron from neutral atoms in either our outer atmosphere or the heliosphere. —Robert Lea, Space.com, 24 Apr. 2026

This configuration purportedly allows the outer MLE to act as a counterbalance, helping prevent excessive tilt, while the inner MLE avoids contact with the road. —New Atlas, 24 Apr. 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