Meanings
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1
noun
a small military position located some distance from the main force or base
Scouts approached the enemy outpost shortly before dawn.
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2
noun
a settlement, station, or branch established in a remote place
The research outpost receives supplies only twice each winter.
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3
noun
a distant branch or representative presence of an organization or culture
The gallery became an outpost of the city's contemporary art scene.
Thesaurus
Etymology
Formed from out + post, probably after Dutch uitpost. It first named an advanced military post beyond the main position, then broadened to remote settlements, stations, and distant branches of institutions.