Outer: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe something that is on the farthest side or the outside of something.

• The outer layer of the atmosphere is very thin
• He lives on the outer edge of the city

Used in more formal contexts to describe something that is outside or foreign to something else, often used in medical or technical settings.

• The company faced several external challenges this year
• He applied the external ointment to the wound

Commonly used in everyday language to refer to the outer surface or area of something.

• It's too cold to play outside
• She waited outside the restaurant for her friends

Used to refer to the outside part of something, especially buildings or structures.

• The exterior of the house needs painting
• They focused on the exterior design of the new car

Used to describe something that is on or near the outside of another thing or further away from the center of something. It is generally more informal.

• The outer layer of the cake was chocolate, while the inner layers were vanilla.
• He lives in the outer suburbs of the city.

This is typically used as a preposition to indicate position above something or to show movement from one place to another, generally less specific and more versatile than the other words.

• The helicopter flew over the city.
• Please put the blanket over the chair.

Used to describe something related to the outside part of something or its surroundings, often in a technical, formal, or medical context.

• The company hired an external consultant to help with the project.
• The injury was only external and didn't affect the bones.

Refers specifically to the outside surface or structure of something, often used in architectural or descriptive contexts.

• The building's exterior was covered in glass.
• They are renovating the house, starting with the exterior walls.