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
Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 July 2025
According to the event’s website, the money will go toward hiring a contractor who specializes in the historical preservation of lighthouses, replacing windows, repairing the roof, and a slew of exterior renovations.
—Emma George-Griffin, Freep.com, 15 July 2025
Emily Manthei, Travel + Leisure, 19 July 2025
The facade is made of raw concrete plaster that was intentionally left to weather over time, resulting in a rough, unrefined exterior that is contrasted by mahogany doors, oak paneling, and large glass windows.
—Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 18 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for exterior
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Adjective
Bolder Color Palettes Parker says gray, white, and beige are still at the top of the exterior color charts, but bolder hues are gaining ground.
—Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 July 2025
According to the event’s website, the money will go toward hiring a contractor who specializes in the historical preservation of lighthouses, replacing windows, repairing the roof, and a slew of exterior renovations.
—Emma George-Griffin, Freep.com, 15 July 2025
Noun
Don't be fooled by the building's nondescript exterior—the tiny displays of classic photos and stories inside, combined with the affordable €5 ticket for retrospectives and programs with filmmaker participation, won me over immediately.
—Emily Manthei, Travel + Leisure, 19 July 2025
The facade is made of raw concrete plaster that was intentionally left to weather over time, resulting in a rough, unrefined exterior that is contrasted by mahogany doors, oak paneling, and large glass windows.
—Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 18 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 22 Jul. 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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