exterior

1 of 2

adjective

ex·​te·​ri·​or ek-ˈstir-ē-ər 

1

: being on an outside surface : situated on the outside

2

: observable by outward signs

his exterior quietness is belied by an occasional nervous twitch

—Current Biography

3

: suitable for use on outside surfaces

exteriorly adverb

exterior

2 of 2

noun

1

a

: an exterior part or surface : outside

b

: outward manner or appearance

2

: a representation (as on stage or film) of an outdoor scene

also : a scene filmed outdoors

Synonyms

Adjective

• external
• outer
• outside
• outward

Noun

• face
• outside
• shell
• skin
• surface
• veneer

Examples of exterior in a Sentence

Adjective

the house's exterior walls badly need to be painted

Noun

The building has a rather plain exterior.

the exterior of the tooth consists of very hard enamel

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The exterior portions tend to get overcooked, while parts of the meat closer to the bone have the tendency to be rare, and the discrepancy can be disconcerting, says Pandel. —Mary Squillace, Robb Report, 27 Sep. 2024

When not in use, the handy gadget folds down to a flat, compact size that’s easily stored in an exterior bag pocket. —Debra Pamplin, Travel + Leisure, 27 Sep. 2024

Noun

The base of the pan has an anti-warp exterior, so it can be used on any cooktop. —Rachel Trujillo, People.com, 28 Sep. 2024

Taking its name from developer Tiger Properties and not to be confused with the Singapore tower of the same name, the Tiger Sky Tower will reach a height of 532 m (1,745 ft) and feature a glazed exterior enlivened by what look like some metallic shading louvers in the renders. —Adam Williams, New Atlas, 26 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Latin, comparative of exter, exterus being on the outside, foreign, from ex

First Known Use

Adjective

1528, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1591, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing exterior

• exterior angle
• exterior/outside door

Kids Definition

exterior

1 of 2 adjective

ex·​te·​ri·​or ek-ˈstir-ē-ər 

1

: situated on the outside

2

: external entry 1 sense 1

3

: suitable for use on outside surfaces

exterior paint

exteriorly adverb

exterior

2 of 2 noun

1

: an exterior part or surface : outside

2

: visible manner or appearance

a calm exterior

Medical Definition

exterior

adjective

ex·​te·​ri·​or ek-ˈstir-ē-ər 

: being on an outside surface : situated on the outside

exteriorly adverb