Definition

Noun: A mirror mounted on the exterior of a vehicle, typically a car, designed to provide the driver with a view of the area to the side and rear of the vehicle.

Usage

This term specifically refers to the mirrors attached to the left (driver's side) and right (passenger's side) exterior doors or fenders of a car. They are essential for safe driving, allowing the driver to see adjacent lanes and traffic behind without turning their head fully. The term is used in automotive contexts.

Examples

• Noun:
  • Before changing lanes, always check your outside mirror.
  • The cyclist was visible in the car's outside mirror.
  • He adjusted the outside mirror to eliminate the blind spot.

Advanced Usage

• "to check one's outside mirror": A standard part of the driving routine for lane changes or turns.
  • The driving instructor emphasized the habit of checking the outside mirror and signaling.
• Often specified as the driver's-side outside mirror or passenger-side outside mirror for clarity.

Variants and Related Words

• Side mirror: A more common synonym for .
• Wing mirror (chiefly British English): Equivalent term for .
• Rearview mirror: The mirror mounted inside the car, on the windshield, which shows the view directly behind. This is a related but distinct term from .

Synonyms

• Side mirror
• Wing mirror (UK)

Notes

The term is a compound noun. Its meaning is fixed and technical, referring specifically to the automotive part. It does not commonly appear in idioms or phrasal verbs.

Noun

1. car mirror that reflects the view at side and behind car