# outhouse

/ˈaʊtˌhaʊs/ (US) · /ˈaʊthaʊs/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/outhouse
Updated: 2026-10-17

## Definition

a small building outside a house, often used as a toilet when there is no indoor bathroom.

For teachers: a small detached structure serving as an outdoor toilet, typically without plumbing. Also used more broadly for any small outbuilding separate from the main house.

## Examples

- They use an outhouse behind the old cabin.
- The farmhouse has no indoor plumbing, so guests use the wooden outhouse at the edge of the yard.
- The abandoned outhouse leaned against the wind, its door hanging open as a reminder of winters before the village received running water.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.