outline

1 of 2

noun

out·​line ˈau̇t-ˌlīn How to pronounce outline (audio)
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 faceWilla 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
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
Mary Fulginiti: This indictment is a very detailed outline and timeline of the plot to kill Fabio Sementilli. Michelle Miller, CBS News, 9 Mar. 2024 The green can has a large outline of Kelce’s iconic bushy beard and eyebrows. Sabrina Weiss, Peoplemag, 7 Mar. 2024 The outline calls this tax regime a stop on the way to a pure consumption tax, but says the ultimate system could be a national sales tax, a business transfer tax, a flat tax, or a cash flow tax. Howard Gleckman, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 The outline of the orchid was with a wire and then dangling from the middle of the orchid was a little Venetian chain with a drop at the end. Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 29 Feb. 2024 The Palestinian Authority, in the West Bank city of Ramallah, said the outline was a nonstarter. Steve Hendrix, Washington Post, 23 Feb. 2024 Here's a brief outline; the full recipe is further below: Boil the eggs. Southern Living Test Kitchen, Southern Living, 22 Feb. 2024 The outline of an eventual deal that would be palatable to both sides is no secret, and one that has been known to all those involved who sincerely want a two-state solution. TIME, 20 Feb. 2024 While a third season hasn’t officially been ordered and a writers room has not yet opened, the showrunners have started to break the initial story outline. James Hibberd, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Feb. 2024
Verb
The statement then goes on to outline the festival’s explanation for its collaboration with the military. Selome Hailu, Variety, 12 Mar. 2024 Kamala Harris, in San Francisco, outlines ‘profound’ stakes of election, raises her own profile. Anthony De Leon, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2024 Strategies for increasing diverse representation – The American Council on Education has outlined strategies for increasing representation in hiring practices. Brandon Girod, USA TODAY, 12 Mar. 2024 The ministry did not outline the number of casualties in Kursk and CNN cannot independently verify the claims. Christian Edwards, CNN, 12 Mar. 2024 The report outlined how classified documents related to military and foreign policy in Afghanistan, along with notebooks with handwritten sensitive intelligence information were found in various locations, including Mr. Biden's homes and offices. Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 12 Mar. 2024 Finish: Matte Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, olive oil, berry fruit wax, jojoba esters Staying power: Long-wearing Ease of application: For precise application, use the edge of the bullet’s micro-stilo tip to outline the lips before filling them in. Jenny Berg, Vogue, 8 Mar. 2024 The statement goes on to outline other explicit messages from Lythgoe. Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 6 Mar. 2024 In such situations, having a detailed incident response plan with clear roles outlined for all participants is essential. David Balaban, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'outline.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1662, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

circa 1790, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of outline was in 1662

Dictionary Entries Near outline

Cite this Entry

“Outline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outline. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

outline

1 of 2 noun
out·​line ˈau̇t-ˌlīn How to pronounce outline (audio)
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

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