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

Contributing buildings are those that have architectural designs that provide the district its historic character, and thus are typically protected from demolition or substantial exterior alternations. —Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2025

The cabin, which features the inverse of the exterior color scheme, may be configured the same way as any other current-gen 911 convertible, but the decoration is entirely unique. —Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 23 Apr. 2025

Noun

The exterior is European flax linen and the feather-down insert with its organic cotton shell is the ideal medium firmness. —Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 26 Apr. 2025

Inside are four credit card slots, a passport pocket, a SIM card slot, and a pen holder, while the exterior has a slim ticket sleeve for your boarding pass. —Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 25 Apr. 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