sketch

1 of 2

noun

ˈskech 

1

a

: a rough drawing representing the chief features of an object or scene and often made as a preliminary study

b

: a tentative draft (as for a literary work)

2

: a brief description (as of a person) or outline

3

a

: a short literary composition somewhat resembling the short story and the essay but intentionally slight in treatment, discursive in style, and familiar in tone

b

: a short instrumental composition usually for piano

c

: a slight theatrical piece having a single scene

especially : a comic variety act

sketch

2 of 2

verb

sketched; sketching; sketches

transitive verb

: to make a sketch, rough draft, or outline of

intransitive verb

: to draw or paint a sketch

sketcher noun

Synonyms

Noun

• cartoon
• delineation
• drawing

Verb

• define
• delineate
• outline
• silhouette
• trace

Examples of sketch in a Sentence

Noun

He made a sketch of his house.

He wrote up a sketch of the plot.

There is a biographical sketch of the author on the book's back cover.

Verb

He sketched the trees outside his window.

He likes to sit outside and sketch.

She sketched the plan for us.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

On Sunday, February 16, the late-night comedy show revived the Black Jeopardy sketch with a twist — Eddie Murphy impersonated Tracy Morgan while the actual Morgan stood beside him. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 17 Feb. 2025

The special event marks the culmination of a three-day celebration honoring the legacy of the long-running sketch show. —Toria Sheffield, People.com, 17 Feb. 2025

Verb

Beneath Sforza Castle in Milan, researchers have discovered a series of secret tunnels—passageways once sketched by the Renaissance artist and scientist Leonardo da Vinci and traversed by a widower sick with grief. —Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 Jan. 2025

Suppose that the permanent ceasefire stage sketched out in today's deal is also reached within a few weeks, and Israel stops leveling buildings in Gaza, bombing medical facilities, and blocking international food and medical aid. —Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 15 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Dutch schets, from Italian schizzo, literally, splash, from schizzare to splash, of imitative origin

First Known Use

Noun

1668, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1694, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Phrases Containing sketch

• sketch in
• sketch pad
• thumbnail sketch

Kids Definition

sketch

1 of 2 noun

ˈskech 

1

a

: a rough drawing representing the chief features of an object or scene

b

: a rough draft (as of a story)

2

: a brief description or outline

3

: a short comedy piece

sketch

2 of 2 verb

1

: to make a sketch, rough draft, or outline of

2

: to draw or paint a sketch

sketcher noun