exterior

1 of 2

adjective

ex·​te·​ri·​or ek-ˈstir-ē-ər How to pronounce exterior (audio)
1
: being on an outside surface : situated on the outside
2
: observable by outward signs
his exterior quietness is belied by an occasional nervous twitchCurrent 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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Once a biker repair shop, the cyclist-friendly eatery is now a cozy Millbrook staple, doubling not only as the diner's interior but also appearing in exterior shots that bring the fictional streets of Tall Pines to life. Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 2 Oct. 2025 Within moments, the rangy 29-year-old actor Harris Dickinson bounds down an exterior staircase and shakes my hand. Liam Hess, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2025
Noun
There is also a cabochon moonstone dated 1913 on the exterior. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 3 Oct. 2025 In 2024, a French team of researchers found evidence of a vast liquid ocean beneath the icy exterior of Mimas. Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for exterior

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of exterior was in 1528

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Exterior.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exterior. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

exterior

1 of 2 adjective
ex·​te·​ri·​or ek-ˈstir-ē-ər How to pronounce exterior (audio)
1
: situated on the outside
2
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 How to pronounce exterior (audio)
: being on an outside surface : situated on the outside
exteriorly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on exterior

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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