external
adjective
ex·ter·nal
| \ ek-ˈstər-nᵊl
\
\
Definition of external
(Entry 1 of 2)
1a
: capable of being perceived outwardly
external signs of a disease
b(1)
: having merely the outward appearance of something : superficial
(2)
: not intrinsic or essential
external circumstances
2a
: of, relating to, or connected with the outside or an outer part
the building's external features
b
: applied or applicable to the outside
a lotion for external use
3a(1)
: situated outside, apart, or beyond
specifically
: situated near or toward the surface of the body
(2)
: arising or acting from outside
an external force
b
: of or relating to dealings or relationships with foreign countries
c
: having existence independent of the mind
external reality
external
nounDefinition of external (Entry 2 of 2)
: something that is external: such as
a
: an outer part
b
: an external feature or aspect
—usually used in plural
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Other Words from external
Adjective
externally
\ ek-ˈstər-nᵊl-ē
\
adverb
\
adverb
Synonyms & Antonyms for external
Synonyms: Adjective
accidental, adventitious, alien, extraneous, extrinsic, foreign, supervenient
Antonyms: Adjective
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Examples of external in a Sentence
Adjective
the external features of the building the external signs of the diseaseRecent Examples on the Web: Adjective
American Factory charts the wave of exultation that greeted the arrival of Fuyao, followed by culture clashes, growing pains, and eventually forms of internal and external pushback that had been largely unknown to the company. — David Sims, The Atlantic, "American Factory Is a Complex Chronicle of Global Capitalism," 30 Aug. 2019 But the internal and external warnings that the economy could slip have contributed to a muddled and often contradictory message. — Damian Paletta, Washington Post, "The month a shadow fell on Trump’s economy," 22 Aug. 2019 Facebook will be conducting an internal and external search to find Mitchell's replacement, a spokesperson told WIRED. — Peter Rubin, WIRED, "Nate Mitchell Exits Facebook, Taking Oculus Era With Him," 13 Aug. 2019 Wilf said a search has started with internal and external candidates to replace COO Kevin Warren, who will join the Big Ten on Sept. 16 and become commissioner Jan. 1. — Chris Tomasson, Twin Cities, "Mark Wilf confident Spielman/Zimmer team can lead Vikings to first Super Bowl win," 29 July 2019 An autopsy revealed that the toddler had over 40 different injuries — both old and new, internal and external — covering his body from head to toe. — Robert Salonga, The Mercury News, "DA drops death penalty pursuit in San Jose baby murder case," 29 July 2019 Libra’s internal and external governance are vexing The Libra Association’s charter hasn’t been signed or ratified, and the organization apparently doesn’t have a process for removing members, Marcus admitted. — Matthew De Silva, Quartz, "If Facebook can ban users, will its Libra cryptocurrency do the same?," 18 July 2019 In her new role, Lopez Patton will oversee all aspects of the Recording Academy’s internal and external communications, including media and public relations, corporate communications and reputation management. — Chris Eggertsen, Billboard, "The Recording Academy Promotes Lourdes Lopez Patton to VP Communications," 11 July 2019 To that end, a look at the 10 most impactful external free-agency moves, beyond those fully expected, from a Heat perspective: 1. — Ira Winderman, sun-sentinel.com, "Winderman: Outside signings might prove more impactful to Heat | Commentary," 3 Aug. 2019Recent Examples on the Web: Noun
Information out to the Foundation, alumni and other externals, too. — Dawn Rhodes, chicagotribune.com, "Southern Illinois University president ousted amid swirling controversy," 13 July 2018 The externals extend upward from the hipbone to the ribs and spine, and the internals rise forward from the hip to ribs. — Dave Kallmann, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "What's an oblique? Explaining the pesky strain that's keeping baseball players down," 23 Apr. 2018 While the Notebook 9 Pen carries the high-end internals that would justify a $1,399 price tag, its externals don't match up. — Valentina Palladino, Ars Technica, "Samsung Notebook 9 Pen review: Stylus convenience, devoid of style," 4 Apr. 2018 The kind of love that isn’t based on externals, but on a deep connection within. — Paige Davis, Health.com, "Breast Cancer Stripped Me Down Physically and Emotionally—and Taught Me More Than I Ever Imagined About Love," 2 Apr. 2018 After a minute or so, the mind goes outward once again and attends to the externals. — Martin Seligman, BostonGlobe.com, "When the brain is off to sleep — but hard at work," 22 Mar. 2018 MEMBERS OF THE EXTERNAL EXPERT ADVISORY PANEL PETER HARVEY, Esq. — NOLA.com, "NFL suspends Dallas' Ezekiel Elliott for 6 games," 11 Aug. 2017These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'external.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for external
external
adjective
English Language Learners Definition of external
: located, seen, or used on the outside or surface of something
: coming from outside
: existing or occurring outside your mind
See the full definition for external in the English Language Learners Dictionary
external
adjective
ex·ter·nal
| \ ek-ˈstər-nᵊl
\
\
Kids Definition of external
: situated on or relating to the outside : outside