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

• outside
• out

Noun

• 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

Oktoberfest 2025: German food, beer, live music and entertainment for the entire family all day long both indoors and outdoors. —Joe Rassel, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Aug. 2025

Be mindful outdoors: Take extra precautions when working or spending time outside. —Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 19 Aug. 2025

Noun

That’s where a beautiful orangerie, or sunroom, with floor- to-ceiling windows and skylights sits, bringing the outdoors inside. —David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 29 July 2025

There are several fresh exhibits at the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art in Hartford, three of which celebrate the great outdoors in various ways and one of which throws a big party. —Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 20 July 2025

Adjective

After finding that her stories resonated with others who enjoyed the outdoors—but rarely saw others who looked like them out in the wild—her blog sparked a movement. —Maggie McGrath, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025

Bill Kearney covers the environment, the outdoors and tropical weather. —Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 6 Aug. 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