outdoors

/aʊtˈdɔː(ɹ)z/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Not inside a house or under covered structure; unprotected; in the open air.

Adverb

Examples

They went outdoors to light up their cigarettes.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

The environment outside of enclosed structures.

Noun

Examples

He won't leave his house: he's afraid of the outdoors.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

The natural environment in the open air, countryside away from cities and buildings.

Noun

Examples

She loves the outdoors, for its freedom and fresh air.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “outdoors” mean?

Not inside a house or under covered structure; unprotected; in the open air.

Is “outdoors” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.