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

Japanese euonymus are also quite adaptable to large urns and planters outdoors, where they can be pruned to fill out and create formal-looking evergreens. —Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Jan. 2025

Here are ways to enjoy time outdoors in Louisville: Enjoy Louisville's many parks (more than 120, to be exact), including Seneca Park and the Parklands at Floyds Fork. —Ana Rocío Álvarez Bríñez, The Courier-Journal, 1 Jan. 2025

Noun

The great outdoors is still calling, even with winter in full swing. —Asia Palomba, Travel + Leisure, 27 Dec. 2024

Part of the issue with diversifying the outdoors is access. —Graham Averill, Outside Online, 24 Nov. 2024

Adjective

Winter activities like snowshoeing and tubing are a fun way to enjoy the outdoors while supporting regional businesses. —Tykesha Spivey Burton, AFAR Media, 10 Dec. 2024

These earbuds are made for the outdoors thanks to their water and dust resistance. —Nora Colomer, Fox News, 27 Nov. 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