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

exterior paint

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 of exterior

Adjective

• outer

Noun

• surface
• front

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 brutal cold could also bring infrastructural problems, as poorly insulated water lines along exterior walls may freeze and burst, the NWS said. —Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 6 Feb. 2026

AmpliTex has featured in some BMW production cars since 2019, as well as concept vehicles from Kia and Cupra, both in interior and exterior applications. —Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 6 Feb. 2026

Noun

The judges tasted and inspected each one, breathing in the aromas and examining the laminate on the exteriors, while attendees watched from behind the glass-panel walls in Rebel Bread’s new bakery. —Miguel Otárola, Denver Post, 6 Feb. 2026

The sleek, leather exterior will also add a sophisticated, practical touch to a dinner-out outfit. —Melony Forcier, Travel + Leisure, 6 Feb. 2026

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