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 design evolved the second generation’s brutal boxiness into a softer, puffier look, with more upright headlights and a front bumper that resembled nothing so much as a gentle smile. —Will Sabel Courtney, Robb Report, 31 Oct. 2024

The exterior view of the entrance to Merck headquarters in Rahway, New Jersey, on Feb. 5, 2024. —Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 31 Oct. 2024

Noun

The thigh meat had a perfect textural crispy exterior and a deep roasty flavor. —Ahmed Ali Akbar, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2024

Pluto constantly erases old blemishes and refreshes its exterior as remnant heat in the interior powers geological reshuffling. —Shi En Kim, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Oct. 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