out·side
ˌau̇t-ˈsīd
ˈau̇t-ˌsīd
1
a
: a place or region beyond an enclosure or boundary: such as
(1)
: the world beyond the confines of an institution (such as a prison)
He looked forward to life on the outside again.
(2)
often Outside in Alaska
: the world beyond the territory or state of Alaska
especially
: the 48 contiguous states
b
: the area farthest from a specified point of reference: such as
(1)
: the side of home plate farthest from the batter
(2)
: the part of a playing area toward the sidelines
(3)
: the part of a playing area away from the goal
2
: an outer side or surface
The outside of the house needs painting.
The candy was hard on the outside but chewy on the inside.
3
: an outer manifestation : appearance
I may look calm on the outside, but I'm actually nervous.
4
: the extreme limit of a guess : maximum
the crowd numbered 10,000 at the outside
1
a
: of, relating to, or being on or toward the outer side or surface
the outside edge
b
: of, relating to, or being on or toward the outer side of a curve or turn
c
: of, relating to, or being on or near the outside
an outside pitch
2
a
: situated or performed outside a particular place
turned on the outside light
b
: connected with or giving access to the outside
outside telephone line
3
: maximum
4
a
: not included or originating in a particular group or organization
not taking any outside calls
blamed the riot on outside agitators
b
: not belonging to one's regular occupation or duties
outside interests
5
: barely possible : remote
an outside chance
6
: made or done from the outside
borrowed a basketball and practiced his outside shot
1
: on or to the outside
The car seemed in good condition outside.
2
: outdoors
children playing outside
1
—used as a function word to indicate movement to or position on the outer side of
waited outside the store
2
: beyond the limits of
outside the scope of this report
outside the law
3
: except
No one knew outside a few friends.
Cite this Entry
“Outside.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outside. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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