outpost

American  

[out-pohst] / ˈaʊtˌpoʊst /

noun

1. a station established at a distance from the main body of an army to protect it from surprise attack.

   We keep only a small garrison of men at our desert outposts.

2. the body of troops stationed there; detachment or perimeter guard.

3. an outlying settlement, installation, position, etc.

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outpost British  

/ ˈaʊtˌpəʊst /

noun

1. military

   1. a position stationed at a distance from the area occupied by a major formation

   2. the troops assigned to such a position

2. an outlying settlement or position

3. a limit or frontier

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Etymology

Origin of outpost

First recorded in 1750–60; out- + post ²

Example Sentences

Coffman didn’t just run the legendary resort, she imagined it when Palm Springs was still an Old West outpost on the way to L.A.

From Los Angeles Times

The chief exception: the Getty, where its Brentwood anchor and Pacific Palisades outpost accounted for three of the 10 most engrossing museum exhibitions in 2025, all 10 presented here in order of their opening dates.

From Los Angeles Times

He traveled to the bank’s outposts and events, and was known for sending personal emails to staff at all hours.

From The Wall Street Journal

The company established outposts in Los Angeles, New York, Austin, London and elsewhere, and at one point may have counted as many as 300,000 practitioners.

From Los Angeles Times

It said China is wielding its economic leverage—through ports, logistics hubs and surveillance outposts—for greater military access and security influence.

From Barron's

Related Words

• frontier
• settlement
• station