outdoors

1 of 3

adverb

out·​doors ˌau̇t-ˈdȯrz 

ˈau̇t-ˈdȯrz

: outside a building : in or into the open air

I went outdoors for some fresh air.

a game that is meant to be played outdoors

outdoors

2 of 3

noun

plural in form but singular in construction

1

: a place or location away from the confines of a building

Trees surround the home, blurring the lines between outdoors and indoors.

—Dawn Hammon

—usually used with the

let in fresh air from the outdoors

2

: the natural world : the places outside of areas developed by humans

… those delighting in the wonders of outdoors.

—Marina Brown

—usually used with the

a lover of the outdoors

… skiers in Maine can glory in the pleasures of the great outdoors—the ski areas are surrounded by some of the most breathtaking scenery in the state.

—Down East

outdoors

3 of 3

adjective

: outdoor

… stands displaying equipment and clothing covering a wide spectrum of outdoors pursuits.

—Clive Tully

Synonyms

Adverb

• alfresco
• out
• outside

Noun

• nature
• open
• open air
• out-of-doors
• wild
• wilderness

Examples of outdoors in a Sentence

Adverb

The game is meant to be played outdoors.

He worked outdoors all afternoon.

I went outdoors for some fresh air.

Noun

our family loves to hike and camp in the great outdoors

Recent Examples on the Web

Adverb

The Air Quality Index near fireworks often reaches the hazardous level which states everyone should avoid all physical activities outdoors. —U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Apr. 2025

The lush motif is carried outdoors to the deck off of the kitchen, where the hillside’s palm trees, bougainvillea and citrus provide shade for the dining table and chairs. —Lisa Boone, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2025

Noun

The design, which is the result of an extensive renovation and rebrand (Le Méridien used to sit on this plot of the atoll), also brings the outdoors in. —Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 16 Apr. 2025

Over the last few years, Deadheads have reveled in videos of Weir working out in gyms and in the great outdoors with various weights and hammers. —Rolling Stone, 20 Mar. 2025

Adjective

Objects that are outdoors should be secured and caution should be taken if driving. —Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 24 Apr. 2025

If your road trip is going to be all about the outdoors, double-check your camping gear. —Chloe Arrojado, AFAR Media, 23 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Adverb

circa 1729, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1826, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1790, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for outdoors

• abhors
• adores
• bookstores
• centaurs
• concours
• deplores
• downpours
• drugstores
• encores
• explores
• ignores
• implores

Kids Definition

outdoors

1 of 2 adverb

out·​doors (ˈ)au̇t-ˈdō(ə)rz 

-ˈdȯ(ə)rz

: outside a building : in or into the open air

outdoors

2 of 2 noun

1

: a place away from or outside a building

2

: the world away from human dwellings