outdoors

1 of 3

adverb

out·​doors ˌau̇t-ˈdȯrz 

ˈau̇t-ˈdȯrz

: outside a building : in or into the open air

I went outdoors for some fresh air.

a game that is meant to be played outdoors

outdoors

2 of 3

noun

plural in form but singular in construction

1

: a place or location away from the confines of a building

Trees surround the home, blurring the lines between outdoors and indoors.

—Dawn Hammon

—usually used with the

let in fresh air from the outdoors

2

: the natural world : the places outside of areas developed by humans

… those delighting in the wonders of outdoors.

—Marina Brown

—usually used with the

a lover of the outdoors

… skiers in Maine can glory in the pleasures of the great outdoors—the ski areas are surrounded by some of the most breathtaking scenery in the state.

—Down East

outdoors

3 of 3

adjective

: outdoor

… stands displaying equipment and clothing covering a wide spectrum of outdoors pursuits.

—Clive Tully

Synonyms

Adverb

• alfresco
• out
• outside

Noun

• nature
• open
• open air
• out-of-doors
• wild
• wilderness

Examples of outdoors in a Sentence

Adverb

The game is meant to be played outdoors.

He worked outdoors all afternoon.

I went outdoors for some fresh air.

Noun

our family loves to hike and camp in the great outdoors

Recent Examples on the Web

Adverb

Creative brainstorming increased whether walking was done indoors or outdoors, leading to the conclusion that the act of walking, not the environment, was the main reason for the boost in creative thinking.18 11. —Cathy Nelson, Verywell Health, 18 Oct. 2024

Mold spores—reproductive cells that act like seeds—travel through the air both outdoors and indoors. —Emily Mullin, WIRED, 16 Oct. 2024

Noun

The interiors are decorated in an elegant yet rustic design that seamlessly integrates the outdoors with the indoors. —Caitlin Palumbo, Forbes, 9 Oct. 2024

If your passion in life is taking to the great outdoors to enjoy jumping sand dunes and rock climbing then the Raptor is the truck for you. —Tony Leopardo, The Mercury News, 29 Sep. 2024

Adjective

The Times will hold a subscriber hike with outdoors reporter Jaclyn Cosgrove on Saturday, Oct. 19. —Hunter Clauss, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2024

Saturday marks the Pheasant Opener in Minnesota and a group of outdoors digital creators will join Walz for an early morning hunt in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota. —Isabella Murray, ABC News, 11 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Adverb

circa 1729, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1826, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1790, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

outdoors

1 of 2 adverb

out·​doors (ˈ)au̇t-ˈdō(ə)rz 

-ˈdȯ(ə)rz

: outside a building : in or into the open air

outdoors

2 of 2 noun

1

: a place away from or outside a building

2

: the world away from human dwellings