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

This chemical pattern, combined with the extreme atmospheric escape, supports the idea that WASP-107b likely formed farther from its star and migrated inward, where intense heating began peeling away its outer layers, according to the statement. —Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 3 Dec. 2025

The outer part of the table is static, while the inner part rotates with the bookshelf, encouraging viewers to encounter new people as the artwork turns. —Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 3 Dec. 2025

The squamous cells make up the middle and outer layers of the skin. —Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 2 Dec. 2025

The outer husk of the seed is ground into a fine powder that becomes gel-like when mixed with water, giving it the ability to absorb liquid and add bulk to stool. —Daryl Austin, USA Today, 1 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