outer

adjective

out·​er ˈau̇-tər How to pronounce outer (audio)
Synonyms of outernext
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

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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
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.
Earlier this month as a hurricane, the outer bands of Lala battered Hawaii and caused destructive flooding. — ABC News, 25 Aug. 2026 Spanning 42 feet long and more than 14 feet wide, the observatory is designed to explore the outer solar system and beyond – prying into the previously unobservable edge of the universe to study dark energy and search for exoplanets. — Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026 The duties also apply to kraftliner, which is a strong paperboard, primarily used in the outer layer of cardboard boxes. — Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026 The outer penumbral cone casts a soft, wide shadow, while the inner umbra reveals the distinct curve of Earth's silhouette. — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 24 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for outer

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from out entry 4 + -er entry 1

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of outer was in the 13th century

Phrases Containing outer

Rhymes for outer

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Browse Nearby Words

outen
outer
Outer Banks
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Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

outer

adjective
out·​er ˈau̇t-ər How to pronounce outer (audio)
1
: located on the outside or farther out
the outer wall
2
: being away from a center
the outer planets of the solar system
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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