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
exterior paint
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
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
Lennie Omalza, Louisville Courier Journal, 25 Dec. 2025
Some of the exterior vinyl siding of the home had burned, but after a review, it was determined that the house was safe for the family to remain inside, and there was no interior damage or health hazards.
—Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 25 Dec. 2025
Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 27 Dec. 2025
His family’s first big project upon moving in was painting the home’s exterior.
—Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for exterior
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Adjective
In addition to choosing from various styles of furniture, fabric, flooring, and countertops, Dutch Star owners can pick from essentially endless exterior paint options.
—Lennie Omalza, Louisville Courier Journal, 25 Dec. 2025
Some of the exterior vinyl siding of the home had burned, but after a review, it was determined that the house was safe for the family to remain inside, and there was no interior damage or health hazards.
—Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 25 Dec. 2025
Noun
The exteriors are water-resistant yet still impossibly soft, and the waistband is adjustable with an elastic waistband and drawstring for maximum comfort.
—Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 27 Dec. 2025
His family’s first big project upon moving in was painting the home’s exterior.
—Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for exterior
Cite this Entry
“Exterior.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exterior. Accessed 30 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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