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
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
Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 30 July 2025
Amazon Autos also displays exterior color, interior color, engine and drivetrain information.
—Charles Singh, USA Today, 30 July 2025
Josh Max, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025
The building's exterior will feature precast panels designed to mimic the rock formations at Mill Bluff State Park.
Mill Bluff, part of the Ice Age National Scientific Reserve, inspired the museum's design after a visit by the architectural team.
—Sofia Joseph, jsonline.com, 30 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for exterior
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Adjective
Other exterior highlights include a lounge with a stone fireplace and a swimming pool by Shoreline.
—Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 30 July 2025
Amazon Autos also displays exterior color, interior color, engine and drivetrain information.
—Charles Singh, USA Today, 30 July 2025
Noun
Nice touches include heated and pivoting front seats, a heated windshield, electric folding exterior mirrors, air-conditioning, an electric sliding door and step, a digital rearview mirror and other great stuff.
—Josh Max, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025
The building's exterior will feature precast panels designed to mimic the rock formations at Mill Bluff State Park.
Mill Bluff, part of the Ice Age National Scientific Reserve, inspired the museum's design after a visit by the architectural team.
—Sofia Joseph, jsonline.com, 30 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for exterior
Cite this Entry
“Exterior.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exterior. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share