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.
As a result, the best-selling tonic resurfaces the outer layer of the skin while accelerating skin-cell turnover. — Lauren Valenti, Vogue, 29 Oct. 2026 Apps that haven’t been updated look mostly OK on the outer screen, since its strip of usable space is roughly the same width as a regular iPhone. — ArsTechnica, 27 Oct. 2026 Those are emblazoned with signature Burberry knight, while outer boxes are decorated with the house’s tonal check, winking to the Burberry trench. — Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 27 Oct. 2026 The tentative plans are to eventually extend their reach to remote bases in harsh weather conditions—potentially near combat zones—and eventually to lunar bases and the outer reaches of the solar system. — Jordan Blum, Fortune, 25 Oct. 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 Nov. 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
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