outsider

noun out·sid·er \ ˌau̇t-ˈsī-dər , ˈau̇t-ˌsī- \

Updated on: 15 May 2018

Definition of outsider

1 : a person who does not belong to a particular group

2 chiefly British : a contender not expected to win

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outsiderness

noun

See outsider defined for English-language learners

See outsider defined for kids

Examples of outsider in a Sentence

To outsiders, the ritual may seem strange.
She felt like an outsider in her new school.
An outsider defeated the champion!
She was a rank outsider who managed to win.

Recent Examples of outsider from the Web

No outsider would ever think of rosemary as a San Francisco flavor.

— jonathan kauffman, San Francisco Chronicle, "Fernay McPherson and the movement that found success away from her native Fillmore," 11 May 2018
As with his previous work, influences of Syd Barrett and Skip Spence are apparent, but at times the blunt-force crudeness of his songs reminds me of the outsider musician Jandek—if the latter could write a catchy tune.

— peter margasak, Chicago Reader, "Mike Donovan sheds the loose structures of the Peacers to get totally wiggy," 11 May 2018
Portraying oneself as the sensible, no-nonsense outsider who can SHAKE THINGS UP IN WASHINGTON is the easiest way for would-be politicians to join the fray.

— jay willis, GQ, "Michael Cohen Is Rotten Because the System Is Rotten," 10 May 2018
Hogan, a successful businessman with limited government experience, proved that being an outsider has appeal among voters of both parties.

— dan rodricks, baltimoresun.com, "Kevin Kamenetz was proud of his long record of public service, evident in one of his final interviews," 10 May 2018
Making things more confusing for outsiders is the fact Mahathir himself was responsible for much of that dominance, as strongman leader of the Barisan Nasional coalition during his 22 years in power from 1981 to 2003.

— james griffiths, CNN, "Who is 'Dr. M,' Malaysia's new -- and old -- Prime Minister?," 10 May 2018
Perhaps that isn't surprising for someone who studied marketing at the University of New Orleans and spends most days thinking about how outsiders see big brands like the NBA or AT&T.

— jennifer larino, NOLA.com, "Cleveland Spears III wins 2018 T.G. Solomon Award for Entrepreneurship and Civic Engagement," 9 May 2018
Braun, himself, a former state lawmaker, played up his credentials as an outsider businessman.

— eliza collins, USA TODAY, "Blankenship is out and sucking up to Trump may not be enough: 4 takeaways from Tuesday’s primary," 9 May 2018
Despite the outsider image and blitz of TV advertising, Braun was dogged by his lengthy history voting as a Democrat in Indiana primary elections, which his opponents hammered for.

— brian slodysko, Post-Tribune, "Braun declares victory in Indiana GOP Senate primary," 9 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'outsider.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of outsider

1800

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

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outsider Synonyms

OUTSIDER Defined for English Language Learners

outsider

noun

Definition of outsider for English Language Learners

: a person who does not belong to or is not accepted as part of a particular group or organization
: a person or animal that is not expected to win a race or competition