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
Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 18 Sep. 2025
Built with two heavy duty, durable wheels, deployable backpack straps, and four exterior grab handles, this bag can be rolled or worn to your destination.
—Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 18 Sep. 2025
Martha Ross, Mercury News, 19 Sep. 2025
Espen Øino’s exterior features expansive outdoor areas, including a top deck with a versatile helipad that doubles as a deck lounge and an entertainment space, with a statement bar and panoramic views.
—Bill Springer, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for exterior
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Adjective
The bag also features several interior and exterior pockets to make storing and organizing your belongings a breeze.
—Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 18 Sep. 2025
Built with two heavy duty, durable wheels, deployable backpack straps, and four exterior grab handles, this bag can be rolled or worn to your destination.
—Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 18 Sep. 2025
Noun
Located at the end of a dirt road and cul-de-sac, the modernist, split-level home had wood-shingle exteriors, huge living room windows, two large decks with bay views and a patio and garden.
—Martha Ross, Mercury News, 19 Sep. 2025
Espen Øino’s exterior features expansive outdoor areas, including a top deck with a versatile helipad that doubles as a deck lounge and an entertainment space, with a statement bar and panoramic views.
—Bill Springer, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 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 21 Sep. 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
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