exterior

adjective ex·te·ri·or \ ek-ˈstir-ē-ər \

Updated on: 20 May 2018

Definition of exterior

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

See exterior defined for English-language learners

See exterior defined for kids

Examples of exterior in a Sentence

the house's exterior walls badly need to be painted

Recent Examples of exterior from the Web

The Porter County Board of Commissioners moved forward with plans for the exterior renovation of and new windows for the courthouse in downtown Valparaiso, with a total of $1.3 million in bids for the work.

— amy lavalley, Post-Tribune, "Courthouse exterior renovation bids awarded in Porter County," 15 May 2018
This shampoo starts the entire Blow Dry Collection process by penetrating the hair shaft to restore moisture, protect from exterior damage and add shine.

— anna hecht, CNN Underscored, "It's a 10 just launched its new Blow Dry Collection," 15 May 2018
One firefighter broke through the metal exterior door of the home on Gamma Street, near S. 39th Street, shortly after noon.

— robert krier, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Dogs rescued from burning home," 15 May 2018
Chris Matthews with the Ramona Fire Department said damage to a nearby home was minimal, with only an exterior chimney burned.

— julie gallant, Ramona Sentinel, "Fire destroys RV and garage, spares two-story house," 15 May 2018
Brick is the star throughout the 4,400-square-foot school, providing a warm base that complements yellow and orange accents (like that groovy exterior spiral staircase masquerading as a slide), while facilitating natural ventilation.

— jenny xie, Curbed, "Adorable kindergarten is all brick and fun," 14 May 2018
The ice damaged the front gable and exterior light, according to a post on the Harford County Fire & EMS Association media page on Facebook.

— erika butler, The Aegis, "Large chunk of ice falls on roof of Abingdon home Friday afternoon," 12 May 2018
The Promenade, a yearlong project aimed to bring a fresh look to the exterior elements of the side of the mall that faces Route 114, includes new outdoor seating, landscaping, and lawn games.

— julia preszler, BostonGlobe.com, "A plant sale, a motorcycle ride, and new dining spots," 11 May 2018
Improvements were both cosmetic as well as improving the facility’s utilities and included compete exterior painting, brick edging and mulch as well as new LED lighting inside, a water heater, fridge, freezer, bar cooler and a slop sink.

— david sharos, Aurora Beacon-News, "Volunteers give Aurora VFW post 'a complete face lift'," 10 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'exterior.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of exterior

Latin, comparative of exter, exterus being on the outside, foreign, from ex

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1528

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

exterior Synonyms

exterior

noun

Definition of exterior

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

See exterior defined for English-language learners

Examples of exterior in a Sentence

The building has a rather plain exterior.
the exterior of the tooth consists of very hard enamel

Recent Examples of exterior from the Web

The exterior of the building expansion, is intended to create a sense of place, Myers said.

— jennifer conn, akron reporter, cleveland.com, "University of Akron's College of Business Administration expansion boosts academic amenities, connects campus to downtown," 15 May 2018
Once cooked, the inedible exterior of the pod can be easily split to reveal a fleshy interior with pea-sized seeds.

— nikhita venugopal, Bon Appetit, "I Grew Up Eating This Common Indian Vegetable. Now It's a Wellness 'Superfood.'," 14 May 2018
The organization is preparing to restore the exterior of the building, starting with the roof, Herbig said in a follow-up interview Wednesday.

— david anderson, The Aegis, "Purchase a model of Aberdeen's historic B&O train station to support restoration," 11 May 2018
For the exterior of common stucco homes found in the desert Southwest, flats are often used as well.

— brian sodoma, azcentral, "High-gloss? Eggshell? Satin? When to use which sheen for your painting project," 9 May 2018
Trump is being sued for allegedly violating the Emoluments Clause The exterior of the Trump International Hotel in downtown Washington.

— ryan teague beckwith, Time, "President Trump Has a Lot of Legal Problems. Like, a Lot of Legal Problems," 2 May 2018
The exteriors of glass, black steel, and stone are softened by the timber decks and ferns that line each floor's wraparound terrace.

— cnt editors, Condé Nast Traveler, "Best New Hotels in Asia," 1 May 2018
Exterior General: Do not neglect the exterior of your home!

— melissa rolland, courant.com, "Get Your Home Market Ready," 1 May 2018
Until then, visitors can take in the exterior of a distillery that's (almost) ready to change bourbon's landscape.

— bailey loosemore, The Courier-Journal, "NuLu's newest distillery is a 'modern monument' to bourbon industry," 1 May 2018

First Known Use of exterior

1591

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

exterior Synonyms

Synonyms

face, outside, shell, skin, surface, veneer;

Antonyms

inside, interior;

Related Words

facade (also façade), front, top;

cover, covering, facing;

appearance, disguise, guise, mask, semblance, show;

EXTERIOR Defined for English Language Learners

exterior

adjective

Definition of exterior for English Language Learners

: located on the outside of something
: suited for use on outside surfaces
: shown on the outside or surface

exterior

noun

Definition of exterior for English Language Learners

: an outer part or surface
: the way someone looks or seems to other people : a person's outward appearance

EXTERIOR Defined for Kids

exterior

adjective ex·te·ri·or \ ek-ˈstir-ē-ər \

Definition of exterior for Students

: external

exterior

noun

Definition of exterior for Students

1 : an external part or surface

the building's exterior

2 : the way someone appears

His tough exterior hides a soft heart.

Medical Dictionary

exterior

adjective ex·te·ri·or \ ek-ˈstir-ē-ər \

medical Definition of exterior

: being on an outside surface : situated on the outside

—

exteriorly

adverb

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exterior

Definition of exterior

exteriorly

Examples of exterior in a Sentence

Recent Examples of exterior from the Web

Origin and Etymology of exterior

exterior Synonyms

Synonyms

Antonyms

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exterior

Definition of exterior

Examples of exterior in a Sentence

Recent Examples of exterior from the Web

First Known Use of exterior

exterior Synonyms

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Words

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EXTERIOR Defined for English Language Learners

exterior

Definition of exterior for English Language Learners

exterior

Definition of exterior for English Language Learners

EXTERIOR Defined for Kids

exterior

Definition of exterior for Students

exterior

Definition of exterior for Students

Medical Dictionary

exterior

medical Definition of exterior

exteriorly

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