exterior

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

• surface
• front

Examples of exterior in a Sentence

The building has a rather plain exterior.

the exterior of the tooth consists of very hard enamel

Recent Examples on the Web

Cheval Blanc Courchevel’s mustard exterior suggests a traditional, Savoyard scene of reindeer rugs and bannisters carved with twee hearts and cowbells inside. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 June 2026

And a photo attached to a city inspection conducted just days before the collapse for a pending litter case showed the exterior of the building apparently in poor condition with the roof visibly sagging. —Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 4 June 2026

Board members focused strictly on the building's exterior and the proposal's design elements, not on zoning or retail approval. —Terrance Friday, CBS News, 4 June 2026

The new Audi Space Frame with a carbon exterior, according to Audi, uses the same manufacturing methods as those used in F1 cars. —Jerry Perez, The Drive, 4 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

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