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
Sarah Lyon, Southern Living, 2 Jan. 2026
One fireplace was left in the living areas of each duplex unit, and others were covered over, their greenish stone hearths repurposed as exterior steps.
—Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 2 Jan. 2026
Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 4 Jan. 2026
This genius bag features five points of security, from slash-proof straps to lockable pockets, and the exterior is even made with RFID-blocking fabric that keeps your cards and other sensitive information safely stored away.
—Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 3 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for exterior
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Adjective
Not all exterior paint colors are created equal, designers say.
—Sarah Lyon, Southern Living, 2 Jan. 2026
One fireplace was left in the living areas of each duplex unit, and others were covered over, their greenish stone hearths repurposed as exterior steps.
—Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 2 Jan. 2026
Noun
It is comprised of two ramparts, one around the exterior of the village, and a small one situated at the center of the mound.
—Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 4 Jan. 2026
This genius bag features five points of security, from slash-proof straps to lockable pockets, and the exterior is even made with RFID-blocking fabric that keeps your cards and other sensitive information safely stored away.
—Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 3 Jan. 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 Jan. 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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