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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The instrument is often mounted on a plane and used to map ground contours through dense foliage. Byandrew Lawler, science.org, 23 Oct. 2024 Under David Cromer’s gentle and meticulous direction, Edwards and Flood build out the emotional contours of this unlikely pair of comrade-combatants moment by moment and scene by scene, taking just seventy short minutes to ping us straight in the heart. Sara Holdren, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2024
Adjective
This stick bronzer comes in five neutral-leaning shades that are ever-so-slightly warm, creating the perfect middle ground between a contour product and a bronzer. Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 26 Sep. 2024 It’s also equipped with multiple internal and external pockets, compression straps, gliding spinner wheels, and even a telescoping handle featuring contour grip and rubberized touch points for extra comfort. Hillary Maglin, Travel + Leisure, 17 July 2024
Verb
Angular folds surround her lengthy, terra-cotta arms, while a regal neck and smooth geometric shapes contour her face. Shameekia Shantel Johnson, ARTnews.com, 4 Nov. 2024 The Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit is a classic choice, available in five festive limited-edition designs—like the lotus flower motif here—and six different powder pigments to choose from for highlighting, blushing, and contouring. Kiana Murden, Vogue, 1 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for contour 

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 4 Dec. 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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