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

The coffee shop owners are also accused of using symbols of violence against Jews in the names of their drinks and a mural painted on an exterior side wall of the building, prosecutors said. —Natalie Demaree, Sacbee.com, 12 June 2025

The Away Toiletry Bag is ideal for short trips and comes equipped with an exterior zip pocket for easy access to items and multiple interior compartments to keep toiletries well-organized. —Kristin Braswell, Travel + Leisure, 12 June 2025

Noun

Scaling the exterior of Dubai’s Burj Khalifa may be out of reach, but doing your own stunts is possible. —Scott Bay, Travel + Leisure, 13 June 2025

Compared to the existing two terminals, the low-lying exterior profile of T3 has some similarities. —Kevin Rozario, Forbes.com, 13 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