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
Saleen Martin, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
The 2025 Civic Si also adds Urban Gray Pearl, a paint color popular on the Accord and CR-V, to its exterior palette.
—Michael Harley, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 12 Sep. 2025
This photo shows the exterior of University College Hospital, which ranked among the top 100 smart hospitals in the world at number 91.
—Katherine Fung, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for exterior
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show current usage.
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Adjective
Dubai chocolate bars are known for their hard-shell chocolate exterior and nutty green center.
—Saleen Martin, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
The 2025 Civic Si also adds Urban Gray Pearl, a paint color popular on the Accord and CR-V, to its exterior palette.
—Michael Harley, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
The slip-on design and luxe leather exteriors instantly upgrade your look, while wide footbeds offer a comfortable space for your feet to sit without constraint.
—Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 12 Sep. 2025
This photo shows the exterior of University College Hospital, which ranked among the top 100 smart hospitals in the world at number 91.
—Katherine Fung, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 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 14 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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