outer

adjective

out·​er ˈau̇-tər 

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

• exterior
• external
• outside
• outward

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

Courtesy of Lucasfilm On an isolated farm at the outer reaches of a fascist empire, a mid-level government toady interrogates his victims. —Jake Kleinman, Wired News, 23 Apr. 2025

Dating back to the Silla Dynasty, the ideology that outer beauty influenced the inner self was promoted through ingredients, like mung bean powder, for cleansing and plant extracts for lotions and oils. —India Espy-Jones, Essence, 23 Apr. 2025

While the middle section collapses, the expanding outer perimeter of the biofilm does not. —Carrie Arnold, Quanta Magazine, 21 Apr. 2025

The 2023 Motorola Razr folds to fit in your pocket, and the outer screen makes quick glances at messages a breeze. —Shubham Yewale, PC Magazine, 21 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing outer

• come-outer
• down-and-outer
• out-and-outer
• outer ear
• outer planet
• outer space

Rhymes for outer

• doubter
• lauter
• stouter

Kids Definition

outer

adjective

out·​er ˈau̇t-ər 

1

: located on the outside or farther out

the outer wall

2

: being away from a center

the outer planets of the solar system