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

exterior paint

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 of exterior

Adjective

• outer

Noun

• surface
• front

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 portion of a $1 billion revamp of the more than 30-year-old Honda Center broke ground Thursday, March 26, with city and community leaders donning orange vests and wielding shovels to celebrate. —Victoria Le, Oc Register, 27 Mar. 2026

Eligible economic development projects can include capital improvement projects, such as street- and skyway-level interior or exterior renovations, equipment purchases with a useful life of at least five years, and public realm improvements such as lighting, outdoor seating or public art. —Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 27 Mar. 2026

Noun

At other times, the cloak reads as an exterior, modulated, flowing sculptural layer—almost like a cloud that envelops the building, as with the Luma Tower in Arles, France. —Norman Foster, Artforum, 26 Mar. 2026

The exterior is finished in wood, and it can optionally be paired with a deck to extend living space. —Adam Williams march 26, New Atlas, 26 Mar. 2026

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

Rhymes for exterior

• anterior
• inferior
• interior
• ulterior

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