exterior

1 of 2

adjective

ex·​te·​ri·​or ek-ˈstir-ē-ər How to pronounce exterior (audio)
1
: being on an outside surface : situated on the outside
2
: observable by outward signs
his exterior quietness is belied by an occasional nervous twitchCurrent Biography
3
: suitable for use on outside surfaces
exteriorly adverb

exterior

2 of 2

noun

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
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
The house features both interior and exterior insulation and generates energy through roof-top solar panels, reducing the home's need for additional energy by about 80%. Killian Baarlaer, The Courier-Journal, 21 Nov. 2024 As is typical of bespoke manufacturing, customers choose their interior and exterior colors—this vehicle was painted in Corris Gray Metallic over black leather upholstery. Michael Harley, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024
Noun
The film crew spent two months location scouting to find both the right exterior for the radio station and the best hallways, which proved difficult given how modern many of Czech Republic’s streets look today. Matt Minton, Variety, 26 Nov. 2024 With a studded hardware exterior, satin lining, tasseled drawstring closure, and priced at only $125, this clutch purse exudes glitz and glam. Emma Sandler, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for exterior 

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Latin, comparative of exter, exterus being on the outside, foreign, from ex

First Known Use

Adjective

1528, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1591, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of exterior was in 1528

Dictionary Entries Near exterior

Cite this Entry

“Exterior.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exterior. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

exterior

1 of 2 adjective
ex·​te·​ri·​or ek-ˈstir-ē-ər How to pronounce exterior (audio)
1
: situated on the outside
2
3
: suitable for use on outside surfaces
exterior paint
exteriorly adverb

exterior

2 of 2 noun
1
: 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 How to pronounce exterior (audio)
: being on an outside surface : situated on the outside
exteriorly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on exterior

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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