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
exterior paint
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
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
Sponsored Content, Denver Post, 4 Apr. 2026
Roof inspections, gutter cleaning, and lawn prep are key exterior chores.
—Alora Bopray, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2026
Charley Ward, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Apr. 2026
What caused the fire is under investigation, but Oakland Fire said the building's rear exterior was the point of origin.
—Jose Fabian, CBS News, 4 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for exterior
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Adjective
With its black wheels, black trim, and dark exterior accents, the Nightshade edition adds a bit of stealth attitude to the equation.
—Sponsored Content, Denver Post, 4 Apr. 2026
Roof inspections, gutter cleaning, and lawn prep are key exterior chores.
—Alora Bopray, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2026
Noun
The exterior Forged from anodized aluminum, this is Carl Friedrik's most hard-wearing cabin case yet, with new steel rivets adding extra protection against knocks and bumps to complement the robust aluminum frame.
—Charley Ward, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Apr. 2026
What caused the fire is under investigation, but Oakland Fire said the building's rear exterior was the point of origin.
—Jose Fabian, CBS News, 4 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for exterior
Cite this Entry
“Exterior.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exterior. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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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