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

• 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

However, a 2011 image of the property from the Miami-Dade Property Appraiser obtained by the Herald shows a different fence and gate than those currently in place, along with different exterior columns, no hurricane shutters and a porch gate. —Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2025

Through the partnership, Qatar Airways will feature select planes showcasing exterior designs conceived under Swizz Beatz’s creative direction. —Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2025

Noun

Fans will remember the home's exterior from scenes where Max takes Dani trick-or-treating before realizing the mansion belongs to his crush, Allison. —Natalia Senanayake, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025

The 5,000-square-foot Victorian dwelling, which was built in 1870, sports a red exterior and is tucked behind gothic wrought iron gates featuring spiders, bats, and other spooky creatures worked into its ornate design. —Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 23 Oct. 2025

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