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
Current Biography3
: suitable for use on outside surfaces
exteriorly
adverb
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
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 WebKelsey Glennon, Travel + Leisure, 29 Apr. 2024
Another standout feature is the exterior crush-resistant SafeZone compartment that's perfect for storing sunglasses or a phone.
—Gabrielle Porcaro, Glamour, 29 Apr. 2024
Examples include photographs of interior or exterior deferred maintenance and estimates for repairs.
—Matthew Glowicki, The Courier-Journal, 25 Apr. 2024
Those include improvements for middle and high school auditoriums, interior and exterior athletics and special education.
—Bill Lukitsch, Kansas City Star, 25 Apr. 2024
Underwater walls of glass in the swimming pool further enhance the interplay between interior and exterior spaces, while the extensive use of hardwoods and other natural materials, including verdant living walls of foliage, connects the home to its natural surroundings.
—Mark David, Robb Report, 18 Apr. 2024
Artist and Hamilton native Robert McCloskey created most of the interior and exterior relief sculptures.
—Sue Kiesewetter, The Enquirer, 18 Apr. 2024
Our cars also house various aspects of our interior and exterior lives.
—Vivian Manning-Schaffel, Los Angeles Times, 15 Apr. 2024
The bag has interior and exterior slip pockets and is large enough to hold the latest iPhone.
—Brittany Vanderbill, Peoplemag, 9 Apr. 2024
Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 26 Apr. 2024
Adjustable buckles on each strap also add to the customizable fit, while the synthetic leather exterior is soft and gentle against the skin.
—Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 25 Apr. 2024
The exterior is textured plastic, and the body has some flex when pressured.
—Matthew Buzzi, PCMAG, 25 Apr. 2024
On the exterior, the home features wood shake roofing / shingles.
—Bay Area Home Report, The Mercury News, 24 Apr. 2024
Available for as low as $29, this neon yellow-green version is made from a water-repellant fabric and has an adjustable strap, zippered main compartment, and pockets on the interior and exterior.
—Phoebe Sklansky, Parents, 19 Apr. 2024
Another unique tour locale is the exterior of the Dean apartment.
—Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2024
Critics argued that the panels would detract from the structure’s historic exterior.
—Julia Binswanger, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 Apr. 2024
Google logo on building exterior, Chelsea, New York City, New York.
—Caroline Haskins, WIRED, 17 Apr. 2024
Adjective
Alternatively, invest in a backpack with little to no accessible exterior pockets and zippers.
—Kelsey Glennon, Travel + Leisure, 29 Apr. 2024
Another standout feature is the exterior crush-resistant SafeZone compartment that's perfect for storing sunglasses or a phone.
—Gabrielle Porcaro, Glamour, 29 Apr. 2024
Examples include photographs of interior or exterior deferred maintenance and estimates for repairs.
—Matthew Glowicki, The Courier-Journal, 25 Apr. 2024
Those include improvements for middle and high school auditoriums, interior and exterior athletics and special education.
—Bill Lukitsch, Kansas City Star, 25 Apr. 2024
Underwater walls of glass in the swimming pool further enhance the interplay between interior and exterior spaces, while the extensive use of hardwoods and other natural materials, including verdant living walls of foliage, connects the home to its natural surroundings.
—Mark David, Robb Report, 18 Apr. 2024
Artist and Hamilton native Robert McCloskey created most of the interior and exterior relief sculptures.
—Sue Kiesewetter, The Enquirer, 18 Apr. 2024
Our cars also house various aspects of our interior and exterior lives.
—Vivian Manning-Schaffel, Los Angeles Times, 15 Apr. 2024
The bag has interior and exterior slip pockets and is large enough to hold the latest iPhone.
—Brittany Vanderbill, Peoplemag, 9 Apr. 2024
Noun
The car’s unique exterior isn’t its only aspect that will turn heads.
—Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 26 Apr. 2024
Adjustable buckles on each strap also add to the customizable fit, while the synthetic leather exterior is soft and gentle against the skin.
—Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 25 Apr. 2024
The exterior is textured plastic, and the body has some flex when pressured.
—Matthew Buzzi, PCMAG, 25 Apr. 2024
On the exterior, the home features wood shake roofing / shingles.
—Bay Area Home Report, The Mercury News, 24 Apr. 2024
Available for as low as $29, this neon yellow-green version is made from a water-repellant fabric and has an adjustable strap, zippered main compartment, and pockets on the interior and exterior.
—Phoebe Sklansky, Parents, 19 Apr. 2024
Another unique tour locale is the exterior of the Dean apartment.
—Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2024
Critics argued that the panels would detract from the structure’s historic exterior.
—Julia Binswanger, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 Apr. 2024
Google logo on building exterior, Chelsea, New York City, New York.
—Caroline Haskins, WIRED, 17 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'exterior.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near exterior
Cite this Entry
“Exterior.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exterior. Accessed 3 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
exterior
1 of 2 adjective
ex·te·ri·or
ek-ˈstir-ē-ər
1
: situated on the outside
3
: suitable for use on outside surfaces
exterior paint
exteriorly
adverb
exterior
2 of 2 noun1
: 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
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