Outer
ˈaʊtər
Definitions
2 meaningsSituated on the outside or further from the center.
ˈaʊtər
Located on the outside; external.
The outer walls of the building were made of brick.
💡 Simply: Imagine a cake with frosting! The outer part is the frosting. The outer is the bit that's on the outside, like the skin on your arm or the cover of a book. It's the part you see or touch first.
👶 For kids: The outside part of something.
More Examples
She wore an outer coat to protect herself from the rain.
The outer space is vast.
How It's Used
"The outer layer of the onion is brown."
"The outer planets of the solar system are gas giants."
The outermost part or layer of something.
ˈaʊtər
A person or thing that is the furthest from the center.
The ball landed in the outer ring of the dartboard.
💡 Simply: In a sport like darts, the 'outer' part means the area around the center where you score less points compared to the bullseye.
👶 For kids: The outside spot in a game, like darts.
More Examples
The outer of the castle was more dangerous.
How It's Used
"The ball landed in the outer, giving the batsman a single."
From Old English *ūtra*, comparative form of *ūt* 'out'.
The word 'outer' has been used since Old English and has consistently referred to the external or more distant parts of something.
Memory tip
Think of the outside *outer* part of anything.
Word Origin
"comparative form of 'ūt' - out"