Main Entry: ¹out·line

Pronunciation: \ˈau̇t-ˌlīn\

Function: noun

Date: 1662

1 a : a line that marks the outer limits of an object or figure : boundary b : shape
2 a : a style of drawing in which contours are marked without shading b : a sketch in outline
3 a : a condensed treatment of a particular subject <an outline of world history> b : a summary of a written work : synopsis
4 : a preliminary account of a project : plan
5 : a fishing line set out overnight

synonyms 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>.