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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This treaty established a set of rules regulating how different countries can explore and use outer space. — Robert Z. Pearlman, Space.com, 10 Oct. 2026 The moonshot idea of putting AI data centers into outer space just moved one step closer to reality, despite doubts about its feasibility. — Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2026 This led people to use AI for every trivial thing, and computing costs shot right into outer space. — Konstantin Klyagin, Forbes.com, 6 Oct. 2026 Another session focused on writing letters to outer space, an act influenced by the race to the moon. — Miranda Huang, Los Angeles Times, 28 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for outer space

Word History

First Known Use

1842, in the meaning defined above

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

Rhymes for outer space

See All Rhymes for outer space

Browse Nearby Words

outersole
outer space
outer table
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Outer space.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outer%20space. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

outer space

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