: a building (such as a stable or a woodshed) separate from but accessory to a main house

Examples of outbuilding in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The suspect fled on foot and concealed himself within an outbuilding, at a residence across from the Lincoln Police Department, according to the social media post. Tania Azhang, Sacbee.com, 29 Aug. 2026 Four were outbuildings and one was a residential structure, according to the charging documents. Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026 Sheds and outbuildings within 5 feet would require non-combustible exterior roofs and walls. Ethan Baron, Mercury News, 20 Aug. 2026 Five homes and nine outbuildings were threatened; all but one outbuilding were saved. Minyvonne Burke, NBC news, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for outbuilding

Word History

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of outbuilding was in 1600

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Cite this Entry

“Outbuilding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outbuilding. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Kids Definition

outbuilding

noun
: a building separate from and smaller than the main one
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