outpost

noun

out·​post ˈau̇t-ˌpōst How to pronounce outpost (audio)
Synonyms of outpostnext
1
a
: a security detachment dispatched by a main body of troops to protect it from enemy surprise
b
: a military base established by treaty or agreement in another country
2
a
: an outlying or frontier settlement
b
: an outlying branch or position of a main organization or group

Examples of outpost in a Sentence

an American outpost in Africa The city was established as a military outpost in the 1800s. a remote outpost of the old British Empire
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.
France says the decision to open its outpost was made when President Emmanuel Macron visited in June. Los Angeles Times, 7 Feb. 2026 But humble alpine outpost, this is not. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Feb. 2026 Maison Estelle’s sharpness comes from its Cotswolds outpost. Elise Taylor, Vanity Fair, 6 Feb. 2026 But the arduous effort may be essential for achieving longer stays in deep space—as well as building the lunar space station and surface outposts envisioned for future Artemis missions. K. R. Callaway, Scientific American, 5 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for outpost

Word History

First Known Use

1720, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of outpost was in 1720

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Outpost.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outpost. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

outpost

noun
out·​post ˈau̇t-ˌpōst How to pronounce outpost (audio)
1
: a guard stationed at a distance from a military force or camp
2
: the position occupied by an outpost
3
: a settlement on a frontier or in a faraway place

More from Merriam-Webster on outpost

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster