Outsourcing is the purchase of goods or services from an outside source. (verb)
When a U.S. company hires an independently-operated call center in India to handle telephone customer service, this is an example of outsourcing customer service.
When a company contracts out the development of a website, this is an example of outsourcing web design.
The procuring of services or products, such as the parts used in manufacturing a motor vehicle, from an outside supplier or manufacturer in order to cut costs.