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

With the aid of intuitive, user-friendly landscape design software, exterior architects and designers can easily streamline the time-consuming practices that threaten to bog down projects. —Alia Akkam, Architectural Digest, 24 June 2025

Adding to the new look and feel is a full makeover inside and out that adds to the Lincoln Navigator experience, with new interiors palettes, a new exterior lighting signature and a new split tailgate that adds to the utility of this SUV. —Scotty Reiss, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025

Noun

Glow in the Dark Cars MBUX Fluid Light Paint coats the exterior of the Concept AMG GT XX. —Eileen Falkenberg-Hull, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025

Another common misstep is ignoring undertones, which can result in clashing colors that disrupt the overall harmony of your exterior. —Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 25 June 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