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.
Meanwhile, if the dark green tips or outer stems are wilted, simply remove them. — Martha Stewart, 6 July 2026 But watching a fastball up in the zone, then wisely laying off a sinker on the outer third before rolling over on a sinker in the heart of the zone? — Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 July 2026 Jegede said most root vegetables like potatoes and carrots, along with any fruit that has an outer layer, can be washed to remove potential contaminants, even if they were covered in ash. — Christopher Buchanan, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026 That would give the planet more time to drift outward as the dying sun sheds its outer layers into space, potentially avoiding engulfment altogether. — Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 8 July 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 9 Jul. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on outer

Nglish: Translation of outer for Spanish Speakers

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