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
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 theDawn Hammonlet 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 theMarina Browna 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
Down East
: outdoor
… stands displaying equipment and clothing covering a wide spectrum of outdoors pursuits.—Clive Tully
Clive TullyExamples 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
Annika Merrilees, Sacbee.com, 28 May 2025
Applying sunscreen before spending time outdoors can help lower your risk for sunburn and skin cancer.1
Using sunscreen past its expiration date may not protect your skin from damage, as the product could be less effective.
—Health, 27 May 2025
Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 22 May 2025
Patrick Mahomes is enjoying the great outdoors with his kids!
—Kirsty Hatcher, People.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Regan Stephens, Travel + Leisure, 30 May 2025
Objects that are outdoors should be secured and caution should be taken if driving.
—Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 25 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for outdoors
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Adverb
The combined event will take place both inside the downtown convention center, and outdoors on the surrounding streets, from Sept. 26-28.
—Annika Merrilees, Sacbee.com, 28 May 2025
Applying sunscreen before spending time outdoors can help lower your risk for sunburn and skin cancer.1
Using sunscreen past its expiration date may not protect your skin from damage, as the product could be less effective.
—Health, 27 May 2025
Noun
Many of us will now be spending significantly more time enjoying the great outdoors by hitting the beach, swimming, hiking, or cooking outside among the fireflies.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 22 May 2025
Patrick Mahomes is enjoying the great outdoors with his kids!
—Kirsty Hatcher, People.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
Field & Stream Bozeman, the first hotel from the outdoors gear brand Field & Stream, opened on May 15 near Bozeman, Montana.
—Regan Stephens, Travel + Leisure, 30 May 2025
Objects that are outdoors should be secured and caution should be taken if driving.
—Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 25 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for outdoors
Cite this Entry
“Outdoors.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outdoors. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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 noun1
: a place away from or outside a building
2
: the world away from human dwellings
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