silhouette
0 synonyms and 0 antonyms for silhouette, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A dark solid outline or shape seen against a lighter background, showing only the outer form.
We haven't recorded synonyms for silhouette yet. You can still read its full definition, where it comes from, or words that rhyme with it.
How to use silhouette
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
Named after Étienne de Silhouette, an 18th-century French finance minister known for his stinginess — cut-out black-outline portraits were a cheap alternative to painted ones, and the joke stuck.
Full origin of silhouette →Frequently asked questions
What does “silhouette” mean?
The word “silhouette” means a dark solid outline or shape seen against a lighter background, showing only the outer form. In plain terms, a dark outline shape, like a shadow cutout, seen against a bright background.
How do you pronounce “silhouette”?
“Silhouette” is pronounced sih-luu-WEHT (/ˌsɪ.lʊˈwɛt/ in IPA).
How do you use “silhouette” in a sentence?
Here is “silhouette” used in a sentence: “We could see her silhouette in the doorway as the sun set behind her.”
What part of speech is “silhouette”?
Depending on how it is used, “silhouette” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “silhouette” come from?
The word “silhouette” dates back to around 1700 and comes from French. Named after Étienne de Silhouette, an 18th-century French finance minister known for his stinginess — cut-out black-outline portraits were a cheap alternative to painted ones, and the joke stuck.
Is “silhouette” a common word?
“Silhouette” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
How many meanings does “silhouette” have?
“Silhouette” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a dark solid outline or shape seen against a lighter background, showing only the outer form.