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 of outer

• exterior
• 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

Soaking sunflower seeds before planting can help with germination as this method softens the naturally hard outer layer of the seed. —Alexandra Jones, The Spruce, 11 May 2026

Cut-and-come-again is a gardening practice that involves harvesting only the outer, mature leaves of the plant, leaving young leaves or root systems alone. —Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 11 May 2026

So generally these are classified as southern, which is one portion, middle and outer, and then middle and northern. —AFAR Media, 11 May 2026

Even farther out, thin streams of hydrogen reach into surrounding space, creating a delicate outer layer around the galaxy. —Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 10 May 2026

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