contour

1 of 3

noun

con·​tour ˈkän-ˌtu̇r 

1

: an outline especially of a curving or irregular figure : shape

the sleek contours of the car

The map shows the contour of the coastline.

also : the line representing this outline

2

: the general form or structure of something : characteristic

—often used in plural

the contours of a melody

… the contours of political and social theories.

—James G. Paradis

3

: a usually meaningful change in intonation in speech

contour

2 of 3

adjective

1

: following contour lines or forming furrows or ridges along them

contour flooding

contour farming

2

: made to fit the contour of something

a contour couch

contour sheets

contour

3 of 3

verb

contoured; contouring; contours

transitive verb

1

a

: to shape the contour of

b

: to shape so as to fit contours

2

: to construct (something, such as a road) in conformity to a contour

Synonyms

Noun

• figure
• outline
• silhouette

Choose the Right Synonym for contour

outline, contour, profile, silhouette mean the line that bounds and gives form to something.

outline applies to a line marking the outer limits or edges of a body or mass.

traced the outline of his hand

contour stresses the quality of an outline or a bounding surface as being smooth, jagged, curving, or sharply angled.

a car with flowing contours

profile suggests a varied and sharply defined outline against a lighter background.

a portrait of her face in profile

silhouette suggests a shape especially of a head or figure with all detail blacked out in shadow leaving only the outline clearly defined.

photograph in silhouette against a bright sky

Examples of contour in a Sentence

Noun

He loved the sleek contours of the car.

The map showed the contour of the coastline.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

While the college football season has retained much of its classical contours, the expansion of the postseason has more or less invalidated the Act’s duration clause. —Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 20 Dec. 2024

Most likely, the budget will follow the contours of last year’s budget would carry through 2025 (defence is the relative loser here). —Mike O'Sullivan, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024

Adjective

This stick bronzer comes in five neutral-leaning shades that are ever-so-slightly warm, creating the perfect middle ground between a contour product and a bronzer. —Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 26 Sep. 2024

It’s also equipped with multiple internal and external pockets, compression straps, gliding spinner wheels, and even a telescoping handle featuring contour grip and rubberized touch points for extra comfort. —Hillary Maglin, Travel + Leisure, 17 July 2024

Verb

All four sides are designed to contour to different areas of the face for effective massage; the prongs also work as a scalp massager. —Adam Mansuroglu, WWD, 8 Dec. 2024

However, Merit’s light-touch formulation has given me the courage to contour without fear of creating too harsh a look. —Jenny Berg, Vogue, 24 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

French, from Italian contorno, from contornare to round off, from Medieval Latin, to turn around, from Latin com- + tornare to turn on a lathe — more at turn entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

1662, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1844, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1871, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing contour

• contour feather
• contour line
• contour map

Kids Definition

contour

1 of 3 noun

con·​tour ˈkän-ˌtu̇(ə)r 

1

: the outline of a figure, body, or surface

2

: a line or drawing showing an outline

contour

2 of 3 adjective

1

: following contour lines or forming furrows or ridges along them

contour farming

contour flooding

2

: made to fit the contour of something

contour bedsheets

contour

3 of 3 verb

1

: to shape the contour of

2

: to shape to fit contours

Medical Definition

contour

1 of 2 noun

con·​tour ˈkän-ˌtu̇(ə)r 

: an outline especially of a curving or irregular figure

also : the line representing this outline

contour

2 of 2 transitive verb

: to shape the contour of

contour a gingiva in gingivoplasty