contour

1 of 3

noun

con·​tour ˈkän-ˌtu̇r How to pronounce contour (audio)
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
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
The compact device uses microcurrent technology to tone, lift, sculpt and contour and plump the face. Paula Lee, Glamour, 14 Mar. 2024 The ergonomic shape ensures optimal comfort, while rounded edges and smooth contours reduce the risk of injuries. Samantha McIntyre, Parents, 9 Mar. 2024 Meanwhile, congressional Republicans remain skeptical about the exact length and contours of the MSS, which the U.N. Security Council authorized in October. Michael Wilner, Miami Herald, 8 Mar. 2024 What emerges from filings, public records and interviews are the contours of a life layered with duplicity and mystery. Matt Hamilton, Los Angeles Times, 26 Feb. 2024 Then the structured light transmitter shoots out 30,000 infrared dots on your face to create a 3D rendering and match your face’s contour. Julian Chokkattu, WIRED, 26 Feb. 2024 With Donald Trump’s ascension to a third presidential nomination all but assured, political analysts are scouring the results of the early GOP primary contests for clues that might reveal the contours of a Trump-Biden rematch. Noah Rothman, National Review, 26 Feb. 2024 As policymakers grapple with these issues, the case of Belousov and his associates will likely continue to reverberate across diplomatic channels and shape the contours of future discussions on technology governance and security cooperation. Melik Kaylan, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2024 Its gear rim features a unique circumferential contour with wavy recesses. Bhanu Chopra, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024
Adjective
This supersoft and stretchy straight-leg style from the Good Curve collection is designed to hug and contour curves, while the signature high-rise waistband is also gap-proof for a smooth fit. Paula Lee, Glamour, 19 Dec. 2023 This is best to be cut with dry hair to create texture, contour individual features and remove weight where needed. Hannah Coates, Vogue, 24 Nov. 2023 The lightweight suitcase features a comfortable contour grip handle, extra durable zippers, and sturdy spinner wheels that glide effortlessly on and off of planes and through the airport. Rachael Green, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2023 Fenty Beauty’s contour stick and Anastasia Beverly Hills’s powder sculpt her visage (pro tip: blend nose contour with your fingers for a natural look), while a NARS color corrector and Dior concealer brighten her dark circles. Kiana Murden, Vogue, 15 June 2023 What is contour? Contouring works by mimicking natural shadow, so a matte finish (as opposed to a shimmery one) in a contour product is a must. Angela Trakoshis, Allure, 24 Feb. 2023 Some soles, such as those made of cork, contour to the shape of your foot. Lindsay Modglin, Verywell Health, 13 Apr. 2023 Westman's special trick is to dab the contour stick on her eyelids for definition. Megan Decker, refinery29.com, 9 Mar. 2023 The company says its AI may help speed up a process called contour delineation, in which clinicians use CT scans to outline healthy organs and tissue at risk so the radiation can be directed towards the tumor. Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 15 Mar. 2023
Verb
Every Curve The ribbed texture of these bodysuits helps to contour to the body’s shape and offer a flattering figure-hugging look. Kat Romero, Rolling Stone, 31 Jan. 2024 Scarlet crystals contoured their skin, while jewels encrusted their nails. Essence, 26 Jan. 2024 The soft variety pillows lack the firmness and contouring to support the neck and head properly. Sixteen Ramos, USA TODAY, 14 Jan. 2024 Campbell’s hair was more polished than the other models’ windswept looks, while blush contoured her prominent cheekbones and oiled, porcelain highpoints. India Espy-Jones, Essence, 21 Feb. 2024 And what’s her secret to contouring or perfectly sloped lashes? Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 13 Feb. 2024 Our testers liked how its three layers of memory foam relieved pressure and contoured the body. Toni Sutton, Peoplemag, 11 Feb. 2024 The soothing Euro topper further enhances sleep comfort with plush cushioning and contouring. Kyle Russell, USA TODAY, 30 Jan. 2024 Her jaw-dropping versatility on the runway was matched only by her ability to contort and contour her body into the most incredible shapes in the most epic sync in Drag Race history against Brooke Lynn Hytes. Joey Nolfi, EW.com, 5 Dec. 2023

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

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of contour was in 1662

Dictionary Entries Near contour

Cite this Entry

“Contour.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contour. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

contour

1 of 3 noun
con·​tour ˈkän-ˌtu̇(ə)r How to pronounce contour (audio)
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 How to pronounce contour (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on contour

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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