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
Legitimate services typically offer a clear outline of their process and fees aligned with successful recovery, not promises shrouded in vagueness. Maria Williams, USA TODAY, 21 Mar. 2024 Create a family tree outline Next, create an outline of the family tree. Jenna Wirth, Parents, 15 Mar. 2024 Hough then came up with an outline for Bubble (2005), which employed nonprofessional and local actors in a crime drama about workers in an Ohio factory that makes parts for dolls. Mike Barnes, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Mar. 2024 Featuring an outline of a hand around a black heart, the pins call for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war, which Palestinian health authorities say has resulted in 30,000 deaths in Gaza since October. Jacqui Palumbo, CNN, 10 Mar. 2024 An outline of the campaign themes From there, Biden rolled out a series of attacks on Trump and his allies that likely will form the centerpiece of his campaign. David Lauter, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2024 The most powerful innovations can start with one PPT slide that gives a visual outline and gets the conversation started. Barbara Wittmann, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 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
Verb
Here's a timeline of the district's financial woes since June, some of which was outlined in a recent newsletter from the district. The Enquirer, 25 Mar. 2024 In a recent study, Levin said, researchers estimated that every $1 of ACP spending increases US GDP by $3.89, while other research has outlined how telemedicine can lead to substantial savings in health care. Brian Fung, CNN, 23 Mar. 2024 Disney has been aggressively pushing back against the activists, not only outlining a strategic gameplan, but framing them as being more self-interested than pro-Disney. Alex Weprin, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Mar. 2024 Below is a table outlining which status programs Alaska Airlines will match and their corresponding status levels. Harrison Pierce, Travel + Leisure, 18 Mar. 2024 Their courses are outlined on the best and latest practices from the industry. Maria Williams, USA TODAY, 23 Mar. 2024 Biden’s State of the Union and recent 2025 budget proposal outlined changes to the tax code that would enhance fairness. Susan Harley, The Mercury News, 23 Mar. 2024 Instead, it’s meant to outline foundational principles to guide development downtown over the next decade. Matthew Glowicki, The Courier-Journal, 21 Mar. 2024 While the offenses outlined in the new law pertain to acts conducted without lawful authority, there is anxiety that the law may create gray areas. Kanis Leung, The Christian Science Monitor, 19 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 28 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

More from Merriam-Webster on outline

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