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

During high pollution advisories, all residents — especially those more vulnerable to pollution — should minimize time and strenuous activity outdoors. —Hayleigh Evans, The Arizona Republic, 16 Dec. 2024

Copper left outdoors weathers quickly and needs to be cleaned more often than indoor copper pieces, from every few weeks to every few months. —Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 16 Dec. 2024

Noun

Kids can explore and discover the great outdoors with the GeoSafari Binoculars—only $10. —Jacquelyn Smith, Parents, 21 Nov. 2024

The living area has a retractable glass wall that slides open, bringing the outdoors in. —Denny Lee, Travel + Leisure, 2 Nov. 2024

Adjective

National Park Candle For outdoors enthusiasts, consider gifting them a scented candle that will transport them to their favorite National Park. —Cai Cramer, People.com, 4 Dec. 2024

This is the outdoors pick in our Best Portable Chargers guide. —Boutayna Chokrane, WIRED, 3 Dec. 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