outline

1 of 2

noun

out·​line ˈau̇t-ˌlīn 

1

a

: a line that marks the outer limits of an object or figure : boundary

the jagged outline of the mountains

b

: shape

… the sharpening outline of her face.

—Willa Cather

2

a

: a style of drawing in which contours are marked without shading

drew a dog in outline

b

: a sketch in outline

prepared several outlines of the suggested mural

3

a

: a condensed treatment of a particular subject

an outline of world history

b

: a summary of a written work : synopsis

Students were required to give an outline for each assigned paper.

4

: a preliminary account of a project : plan

gave the class an outline of the points he intended to cover

5

: a fishing line set out overnight

outline

2 of 2

verb

outlined; outlining; outlines

transitive verb

1

: to draw the outline of

2

: to indicate the principal features or different parts of

outlined their responsibilities

Synonyms of outline

Noun

• silhouette
• contour

Verb

• trace
• define
• sketch

Choose the Right Synonym for outline

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 outline in a Sentence

Noun

The pictures were drawn in outline and then filled in with color.

The leaves etched into the vase have a gold outline.

Organize your essay by writing an outline in which you state your main idea followed by your supporting points.

a brief outline of American history

Her speech was written in outline on note cards.

Verb

The President outlined his agenda for the next term.

The book outlines the major events of the country's history.

All players must follow the rules outlined above.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

After missing multiple deadlines set by federal officials in recent months to, at least, create outlines of an agreement, the two sides are hiring more lawyers in case the dispute goes to court. —ABC News, 1 Apr. 2026

The first piece inside the galleries, a 1967 painting by the German artist Maina-Miriam Munsky, depicts a schematic outline of a cube struggling to contain a mass of dreamy flesh. —Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 31 Mar. 2026

Verb

Trump last week outlined five goals for the massive air campaign. —ABC News, 28 Mar. 2026

The coppery hue comes through as red in contrast with her eye color and glossy lips, outlined in a tan pencil. —Marci Robin, Allure, 27 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1662, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

circa 1790, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for outline

• affine
• airline
• align
• aline
• assign
• baseline
• beamline
• benign
• bloodline
• bovine
• byline
• canine

Kids Definition

outline

1 of 2 noun

out·​line ˈau̇t-ˌlīn 

1

: a line that traces or forms the outer limits of an object or figure and shows its shape

2

a

: a drawing or picture giving only the outlines of something

b

: this method of drawing

3

a

: a brief summary or plan often in numbered divisions

b

: a brief treatment of a subject

an outline of world history

outline

2 of 2 verb

1

: to draw or trace the outline of

2

: to indicate the main features or parts of

outlined our responsibilities