outline
OWT-lyn
Outline (noun) means the line or shape marking the edge of something. Example: “The child traced the outline of her hand on a sheet of paper.”
noun
1
The line or shape marking the edge of something.
"The child traced the outline of her hand on a sheet of paper."
"You could just make out the outline of the mountains against the night sky."
"The artist sketched the outline before adding any detail."
2
A summary that lays out the main points of something, such as a plan or piece of writing.
"Before the meeting, I sent my team a short outline of the agenda."
"She handed in an outline of her thesis before starting the full draft."
"The teacher asked us to write an outline before drafting our essays."
verb
1
To describe the main points of something, or to draw its boundary.
"The guide outlined the route for the day's walk before we set off."
"The manager outlined the new project timeline in the meeting."
"He outlined the shape of the building before adding windows and doors."
How to use outline
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither the visible edge/shape of something, or a summary of its main points.
Common pairings
rough outline
outline a plan
outline of a story
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Word forms
- Plural
- outlines
- Third person singular
- outlines
- Past tense
- outlined
Fill the gap
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The child traced the _____ of her hand on a sheet of paper.
Etymology
A straightforward compound of out + line.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for outline
See all rhymes for outline →Frequently asked questions
What does “outline” mean?
The word “outline” means the line or shape marking the edge of something. In plain terms, either the visible edge/shape of something, or a summary of its main points.
How do you pronounce “outline”?
“Outline” is pronounced OWT-lyn (/ˈaʊtlaɪn/ in IPA).
How do you use “outline” in a sentence?
Here is “outline” used in a sentence: “You could just make out the outline of the mountains against the night sky.”
What part of speech is “outline”?
Depending on how it is used, “outline” can be a noun and a verb.
Is “outline” a common word?
“Outline” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “outline” have?
“Outline” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the line or shape marking the edge of something.
What is the difference between an outline and a summary?
An outline lays out the main points of something in a structured, skeletal form, often as a plan before the full work is written. A summary is usually a condensed account written afterwards to capture the essence of a finished piece.
What is the difference between an outline and a draft?
An outline is a framework listing the key points or structure of a piece of work. A draft is a full but unfinished version written out in complete form, usually developed from the outline.
What is the difference between the outline and the contour of an object?
Both describe the line marking the edge of a shape. Outline emphasises the overall boundary or silhouette, while contour often suggests the curves and detailed form along that edge.
What prepositions are used with the word outline?
You commonly speak of an "outline of" a plan or story, and describe something given "in outline" when only its main points are provided. As a verb, you "outline" the details directly, without a preposition.
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