interior

1 of 2

adjective

in·​te·​ri·​or in-ˈtir-ē-ər 

1

: lying, occurring, or functioning within the limiting boundaries : inner

an interior point of a triangle

2

: belonging to mental or spiritual life

a simple interior piety

3

: belonging to the inner constitution or concealed nature of something

interior meaning of a poem

4

: lying away or remote from the border or shore

interiorly

in-ˈtir-ē-ər-lē 

adverb

interior

2 of 2

noun

1

: the inner or spiritual nature : character

2

: the interior part (as of a country or island)

3

: the internal or inner part of a thing : inside

4

: the internal affairs of a state or nation

5

: a representation (as in a play or movie) of the interior of a building

Synonyms of interior

Adjective

• internal
• inner
• mental

Noun

• inside
• within

Examples of interior in a Sentence

Adjective

a large car with lots of interior room

the novel's characters have plenty of adventures, but their interior lives are never explored

Noun

a black car with gray leather interior

the interior of the house

They traveled deep into the interior of Australia.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The Hurricanes anticipate Blay returning this week against Pittsburgh, which would give Miami its full arsenal of interior defensive lineman for the regular-season finale. —Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 25 Nov. 2025

Orvis’ real home on the ‘stead is used for the film and television franchise’s interior shots, and his real land for the exteriors. —Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 25 Nov. 2025

Noun

The interiors take a cue from 1950s industrial charm (look for the train arrival boards over the elevators), and an open-plan work hub on the lobby level is a favorite among guests and locals alike. —Liam Hess, Vogue, 26 Nov. 2025

Inside this all-electric showstopper, designed with customizable luxury interiors and an exceptional sound system, drivers will experience peace and tranquility even at the most bustling intersections. —Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 26 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle French & Latin; Middle French interiore, from Latin, comparative of Old Latin *interus inward, on the inside; akin to Latin inter

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing interior

• interior angle
• interior decoration
• interior decorator
• interior design
• interior designer
• interior door
• interior monologue

Rhymes for interior

• anterior
• exterior
• inferior
• ulterior

Kids Definition

interior

1 of 2 adjective

in·​te·​ri·​or in-ˈtir-ē-ər 

1

: existing or occurring within the limits : inner

2

: remote from the border or shore

interiorly adverb

interior

2 of 2 noun

1

: the internal or inner part of something : inside

the interior of a house

2

: the inland part (as of a country or island)

traveled to the interior of Australia

3

: the internal affairs of a state or nation

department of the Interior

Medical Definition

interior

1 of 2 adjective

in·​te·​ri·​or in-ˈtir-ē-ər 

: lying, occurring, or functioning within limiting boundaries

interior

2 of 2 noun

: the internal or inner part or cavity of a thing