English Reference
adjective · noun

outer

adj. · n.
US /ˈaʊtɝ/ UK /ˈaʊtɐ/ out·er UK spelling outers

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    adj.on the outside of something.

    adj.located on the outside; external.

    Simple

    The outer layer of the jacket is waterproof to keep you dry.

    In context

    The spacecraft's outer hull was reinforced with heat-resistant tiles to withstand the friction of atmospheric reentry.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.further away from the middle or center of something.

    adj.situated further from the center or the interior.

    Simple

    We live in the outer suburbs, so it takes an hour to reach the city.

    In context

    Astronomers are studying the gas giants located in the outer solar system to better understand planetary formation.

  3. 03 C2 Proficiency Technical Sport

    n.the part of a target that is furthest from the center.

    n.the outermost ring or circle on a target, or a shot that hits this area.

    Simple

    His first shot was an outer, but he soon improved his aim.

    In context

    The novice archer was disappointed to hit the outer, narrowly avoiding missing the target altogether during the final round.

  4. 04 C1 Advanced Technical

    n.a large box that contains several smaller items for a shop to sell.

    n.the smallest unit sold by wholesalers to retailers, typically a single display box containing multiple retail units.

    Simple

    The shopkeeper ordered an outer of chocolate bars to restock the shelf.

    In context

    Inventory management requires tracking both individual units and the number of outers currently held in the warehouse.

  5. 05 C2 Proficiency British EnglishDialect Sport

    n.the seats in a stadium that do not have a roof over them.

    n.an uncovered section of seating at a sportsground or stadium.

    Simple

    We sat in the outer because the tickets were much cheaper.

    In context

    Despite the threat of rain, the fans in the outer remained vocal throughout the entire cricket match.

Usage outer atmosphere · outer space · outer boundary

A man with a bin on his head pretending to be from outer space came second.

The Guardian· 14 Aug 2026

This is the outer layer of the sun's atmosphere and looks not unlike a halo of light around a dark disc.

The Local· 11 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated