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

Disney worked with artisans and cultural advisors to create interior spaces and exterior design choices that showcase the beauty of natural elements. —Megan Dubois, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024

Major exterior changes will take place in phase four, in the summer of 2026. —Cuneyt Dil, Axios, 19 Dec. 2024

Noun

The design team decided to pay homage to the state's geology by designing the building's exterior to resemble Mill Bluff's ancient rock columns. —Amy Schwabe, Journal Sentinel, 20 Dec. 2024

On the exterior, the home features composition shingles on the roof. —Bay Area Home Report, The Mercury News, 20 Dec. 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