1 external | Definition of external

external

adjective
ex·​ter·​nal | \ ek-ˈstər-nᵊl How to pronounce external (audio) \

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

noun

Definition 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 How to pronounce externally (audio) \ adverb

Synonyms & Antonyms for external

Synonyms: Adjective

accidental, adventitious, alien, extraneous, extrinsic, foreign, supervenient

Antonyms: Adjective

inherent, innate, intrinsic

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Examples of external in a Sentence

Adjective

the external features of the building the external signs of the disease

Recent 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

These 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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First Known Use of external

Adjective

1542, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

circa 1635, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for external

Adjective

Latin externus external, from exter — more at exterior

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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

external

adjective
ex·​ter·​nal | \ ek-ˈstər-nᵊl How to pronounce external (audio) \

Kids Definition of external

: situated on or relating to the outside : outside
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