outer

[ou-ter]

adjective

1. situated on or toward the outside; external; exterior.

   outer garments; an outer wall.

2. situated farther out or farther from the center.

   the outer reaches of space.

3. of or relating to the external world.

outer

/ ˈaʊtə /

adjective

1. being or located on the outside; external

2. further from the middle or central part

noun

1. archery

   1. the white outermost ring on a target

   2. a shot that hits this ring

2. the unsheltered part of the spectator area at a sports ground

3. informal,  excluded or neglected

Other Word Forms

• outerness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of outer¹

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; out, -er ⁴

Example Sentences

Penumbral lunar eclipse – A more subtle occurrence, where the Moon travels through the outer part of Earth's shadow, resulting in a faint dimming.

From BBC

Masad, a regular contributor to The Times, probes the mysteries of outer space in dramatizing the first alien abduction story.

From Los Angeles Times

They are the outer belt of disposable ideas for public consumption…

From Salon

But he also ran into something else, which could be the outer limits of his diminishing ability to shape the narrative so it’s always about him.

From Salon

“The main part of the algal bloom can be seen from outer space,” the article read.

From Salon

Related Words

• exterior 
• outlying