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 exterior paint color was reportedly inspired by shiny ripe eggplants that Lingenbrink picked up at his local farmers’ market. — Howard Walker, Robb Report, 10 Aug. 2026

In reality, those exterior shots were filmed at Dallas City Hall, per the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. — Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 10 Aug. 2026

Noun

On the exterior, Aesha’s maracas are no longer the newest crew member of Akira One. — Emma Soren, Vulture, 11 Aug. 2026

Other highlights include electronic windows and integrated screens that automatically deploy and a ladder that fits neatly with the exterior. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 10 Aug. 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