outer space

noun

: space immediately outside the earth's atmosphere
broadly : interplanetary or interstellar space

Examples of outer space in a Sentence

a satellite in outer space Is there life in outer space?
Recent Examples on the Web Here's a look at the most dazzling images taken from outer space so far in 2024. Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 3 Mar. 2024 In the new Netflix movie, Sandler plays Jakub Prochazka, a Czech astronaut on a lengthy solo mission in outer space. Eric Andersson, Peoplemag, 2 Mar. 2024 In Spaceman, Sandler plays Jakub, an astronaut on a solo mission in outer space. Eric Andersson, Peoplemag, 29 Feb. 2024 And in outer space, American officials warn, Russia may be planning to place a nuclear weapon into orbit, aboard a satellite, which would violate one of the last arm control treaties. Anton Troianovski, New York Times, 23 Feb. 2024 Now a new 40,000-square-foot research facility called the Biosciences Collaborative Laboratory has taken its place, exploring fields that once seemed unimaginable, such as human survival in outer space. Lisa M. Krieger, The Mercury News, 22 Jan. 2024 Great episodes this year featured apocalyptic romance, creatures from outer space, and a top-notch Taylor Swift needle drop. Ew Staff Published, EW.com, 12 Dec. 2023 Since 2006, Phil has been a staff stalwart, writing and editing about vehicles, batteries, aircraft, outer space, electric motors, and hypersonics. IEEE Spectrum, 1 Dec. 2023 In other words, some hardware on the space station has now been in the harsh environment of outer space for a quarter of a century. Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 21 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'outer space.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1842, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of outer space was in 1842

Dictionary Entries Near outer space

Cite this Entry

“Outer space.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outer%20space. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

outer space

noun
: space entry 1 sense 4
especially : the region beyond the solar system

More from Merriam-Webster on outer space

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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