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

One key issue is the use of combustible exterior materials during renovation. —Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 27 Nov. 2025

Authorities said some exterior materials may not have met fire-resistance standards, enabling the fire’s unusually rapid spread across buildings. —Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Nov. 2025

Noun

The shoes include a waterproof leather exterior, a dual-density sugarcane midsole to eliminate foot fatigue and increase cushioning, and the same Vibram Megagrip across other Hoka styles for sticky traction on tough terrains. —Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 28 Nov. 2025

Make sure to wash the lid and wipe down the exterior after each use, too. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 28 Nov. 2025

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