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
Current Biography3
: suitable for use on outside surfaces
exteriorly
adverb
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
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 WebTim Carter, Chicago Tribune, 15 Sep. 2023
Stefanovic, 37, keeps watch over the school’s 55 exterior doors, assesses gun threats and consoles kids readjusting to in-person learning.
—Maggie Prosser, Dallas News, 14 Sep. 2023
While the abode, built in 1959 and owned by the same family for five decades, was only used for exterior shots on the classic show, HGTV was determined to transform the inside into an exact replica of the TV set that fans loved.
—Natalia Senanayake, Peoplemag, 14 Sep. 2023
Lockout status means a schools’ exterior doors are locked and access is limited from the outside, but the school day takes place as scheduled inside.
—Dan Belson, Baltimore Sun, 11 Sep. 2023
For more than 20 years, Phoenix buses have allowed advertisements on their exterior panels.
—The Arizona Republic, 10 Sep. 2023
To meet the exterior pressure, the Lions could do themselves a favor by banking a few wins early in the year, thus supplying themselves with some wiggle room avoiding a repeat of 2022.
—Usa Today Sports, USA TODAY, 10 Sep. 2023
The inmate escaped from Chester County Prison’s exterior exercise yard, acting Warden Howard Holland said during a news conference Wednesday.
—Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN, 6 Sep. 2023
That package also includes an exterior spare-tire mount to which a couple of mountain bikes can be affixed with an accessory rack that attaches to the spare.
—Phil Berg, Car and Driver, 5 Sep. 2023
Tim Carter, Chicago Tribune, 15 Sep. 2023
The highlight of the exterior is the aft beach club.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 15 Sep. 2023
One caveat, whether the paint is sprayed or brushed on: Don’t clog the weep holes at the bottom of the frame on the exterior.
—Jeanne Huber, Washington Post, 15 Sep. 2023
Lee took part in the laying of a wreath at the site of the bombing on the exterior of the church after the service, when Jackson had departed.
—Greg Garrison | , al, 15 Sep. 2023
The fastest way to transform any exterior is put two containers next to your front door and plant your mailbox.
—Abby Wilson, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Sep. 2023
On the exterior, the lowrider’s delicate chrome and gold plating sparkles against the car’s rich, olive-green varnish.
—Natalie Arroyo Camacho, refinery29.com, 12 Sep. 2023
The 1959 Studio City home became iconic after its exterior was used for the 1969 sitcom.
—James Hibberd, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Sep. 2023
Not only does the suede exterior look super soft but the inside is lined with fuzzy fabric, too.
—Alyssa Grabinski, Peoplemag, 9 Sep. 2023
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Adjective
In Phil’s case, his existing composite decking runs under the exterior door to a landing outside the room.
—Tim Carter, Chicago Tribune, 15 Sep. 2023
Stefanovic, 37, keeps watch over the school’s 55 exterior doors, assesses gun threats and consoles kids readjusting to in-person learning.
—Maggie Prosser, Dallas News, 14 Sep. 2023
While the abode, built in 1959 and owned by the same family for five decades, was only used for exterior shots on the classic show, HGTV was determined to transform the inside into an exact replica of the TV set that fans loved.
—Natalia Senanayake, Peoplemag, 14 Sep. 2023
Lockout status means a schools’ exterior doors are locked and access is limited from the outside, but the school day takes place as scheduled inside.
—Dan Belson, Baltimore Sun, 11 Sep. 2023
For more than 20 years, Phoenix buses have allowed advertisements on their exterior panels.
—The Arizona Republic, 10 Sep. 2023
To meet the exterior pressure, the Lions could do themselves a favor by banking a few wins early in the year, thus supplying themselves with some wiggle room avoiding a repeat of 2022.
—Usa Today Sports, USA TODAY, 10 Sep. 2023
The inmate escaped from Chester County Prison’s exterior exercise yard, acting Warden Howard Holland said during a news conference Wednesday.
—Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN, 6 Sep. 2023
That package also includes an exterior spare-tire mount to which a couple of mountain bikes can be affixed with an accessory rack that attaches to the spare.
—Phil Berg, Car and Driver, 5 Sep. 2023
Noun
Water can work its way under the door threshold via capillary attraction, wind or even negative slope on the exterior landing, causing water to run toward the room!
—Tim Carter, Chicago Tribune, 15 Sep. 2023
The highlight of the exterior is the aft beach club.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 15 Sep. 2023
One caveat, whether the paint is sprayed or brushed on: Don’t clog the weep holes at the bottom of the frame on the exterior.
—Jeanne Huber, Washington Post, 15 Sep. 2023
Lee took part in the laying of a wreath at the site of the bombing on the exterior of the church after the service, when Jackson had departed.
—Greg Garrison | , al, 15 Sep. 2023
The fastest way to transform any exterior is put two containers next to your front door and plant your mailbox.
—Abby Wilson, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Sep. 2023
On the exterior, the lowrider’s delicate chrome and gold plating sparkles against the car’s rich, olive-green varnish.
—Natalie Arroyo Camacho, refinery29.com, 12 Sep. 2023
The 1959 Studio City home became iconic after its exterior was used for the 1969 sitcom.
—James Hibberd, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Sep. 2023
Not only does the suede exterior look super soft but the inside is lined with fuzzy fabric, too.
—Alyssa Grabinski, Peoplemag, 9 Sep. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'exterior.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Phrases Containing exterior
Dictionary Entries Near exterior
Cite this Entry
“Exterior.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exterior. Accessed 22 Sep. 2023.
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Kids Definition
exterior
1 of 2 adjective
ex·te·ri·or
ek-ˈstir-ē-ər
1
: situated on the outside
3
: suitable for use on outside surfaces
exterior paint
exteriorly
adverb
exterior
2 of 2 noun1
: 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
More from Merriam-Webster on exterior
Nglish: Translation of exterior for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of exterior for Arabic Speakers
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