con·tour
ˈkän-ˌtu̇r 
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
James G. Paradis3
: a usually meaningful change in intonation in speech
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
contoured; contouring; contours
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
Synonyms
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 WebJon Bitner, wsj.com, 21 Sep. 2023
The contours of the damage were also still taking shape on Saturday.
—Constant Méheut, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2023
Its reputation and longevity in the menswear space are a direct result of its unwavering design; the perfect-size heel and sleek contours, punctuated by the lustrous horsebit, continues to dominate.
—Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 25 Aug. 2023
The contour of her lips, defined with blue lip liner, seamlessly merged into a gloss with a holographic hue.
—India Espy-Jones, Essence, 21 Aug. 2023
But the way its creases and contours transform with age have — for some of us — changed.
—Elizabeth Siegel, Allure, 21 Aug. 2023
Handout Delta, which runs more international routes out of Logan than any other airline, took advantage of Terminal E’s distinctive windows and contours in the design of its Sky Club.
—Christopher Muther, BostonGlobe.com, 18 Aug. 2023
The second and seventh degrees are lowered a half step, meaning that the scale assumes the contour of the Phrygian mode, which medieval theorists considered mystical in character.
—Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 4 Sep. 2023
The cooling cover absorbs and dissolves heat, while the 10-inch memory foam contours to your body and keeps you supported throughout the night.
—Amy Stanford, Health, 1 Sep. 2023
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
Several of the body-positive lingerie label’s bestselling styles — including its Leakproof underwear and WingWoman contour bra — will be available in five different shades.
—Truc Nguyen, refinery29.com, 20 May 2020
Vanessa Powell, Peoplemag, 21 Sep. 2023
Contributing to the socks’ durability and overall comfort is recycled nylon and stretchy elastane, which also contour to your foot for the perfect fit.
—Marissa Miller, Travel + Leisure, 19 Sep. 2023
Following this, Cream Bronzer was applied to contour the cheeks and nose.
—Akili King, Essence, 11 Sep. 2023
Just look at the impenitent subject: the deep furrow between his eyebrows and the one that contours his cheek seem to want to connect and form a kind of scar in shadow.
—Vinson Cunningham, The New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2023
Avocado Green Organic Latex Mattress Topper $349 at Avocado
Pros
Comes in plush and firm options
Contours to the body's curves
Cons
There's slight off-gassing
This Avocado mattress topper is designed to contour to your body's curves using two inches of organic latex.
—Jackie Lam, Women's Health, 21 Aug. 2023
The stretchy material comfortably contours to the shape of your body, and tons of shoppers have given the leggings a stamp of approval to wear during workouts like yoga and pilates.
—Clara McMahon, Peoplemag, 10 Sep. 2023
The quick-dry fabric keeps you cool—a good thing since you’re bound to wear these babies everywhere, while the contouring construction helps to accentuate your assets (emphasis on ass).
—Lindsay Geller, Women's Health, 7 Sep. 2023
The flexible, pivoting blades can contour to the head and neck for a close shave without worrying about any potential nicks.
—Good Housekeeping, 31 Aug. 2023
See More
Noun
Cleaning the reservoir was more frustrating than with higher-price products due to a small reservoir opening, but its base was easy to wipe down due to minimal contours and crevices.
—Jon Bitner, wsj.com, 21 Sep. 2023
The contours of the damage were also still taking shape on Saturday.
—Constant Méheut, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2023
Its reputation and longevity in the menswear space are a direct result of its unwavering design; the perfect-size heel and sleek contours, punctuated by the lustrous horsebit, continues to dominate.
—Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 25 Aug. 2023
The contour of her lips, defined with blue lip liner, seamlessly merged into a gloss with a holographic hue.
—India Espy-Jones, Essence, 21 Aug. 2023
But the way its creases and contours transform with age have — for some of us — changed.
—Elizabeth Siegel, Allure, 21 Aug. 2023
Handout Delta, which runs more international routes out of Logan than any other airline, took advantage of Terminal E’s distinctive windows and contours in the design of its Sky Club.
—Christopher Muther, BostonGlobe.com, 18 Aug. 2023
The second and seventh degrees are lowered a half step, meaning that the scale assumes the contour of the Phrygian mode, which medieval theorists considered mystical in character.
—Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 4 Sep. 2023
The cooling cover absorbs and dissolves heat, while the 10-inch memory foam contours to your body and keeps you supported throughout the night.
—Amy Stanford, Health, 1 Sep. 2023
Adjective
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
Several of the body-positive lingerie label’s bestselling styles — including its Leakproof underwear and WingWoman contour bra — will be available in five different shades.
—Truc Nguyen, refinery29.com, 20 May 2020
Verb
The leather is soft and flexible while the footbed is contoured for all day wearability.
—Vanessa Powell, Peoplemag, 21 Sep. 2023
Contributing to the socks’ durability and overall comfort is recycled nylon and stretchy elastane, which also contour to your foot for the perfect fit.
—Marissa Miller, Travel + Leisure, 19 Sep. 2023
Following this, Cream Bronzer was applied to contour the cheeks and nose.
—Akili King, Essence, 11 Sep. 2023
Just look at the impenitent subject: the deep furrow between his eyebrows and the one that contours his cheek seem to want to connect and form a kind of scar in shadow.
—Vinson Cunningham, The New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2023
Avocado Green Organic Latex Mattress Topper $349 at Avocado
Pros
Comes in plush and firm options
Contours to the body's curves
Cons
There's slight off-gassing
This Avocado mattress topper is designed to contour to your body's curves using two inches of organic latex.
—Jackie Lam, Women's Health, 21 Aug. 2023
The stretchy material comfortably contours to the shape of your body, and tons of shoppers have given the leggings a stamp of approval to wear during workouts like yoga and pilates.
—Clara McMahon, Peoplemag, 10 Sep. 2023
The quick-dry fabric keeps you cool—a good thing since you’re bound to wear these babies everywhere, while the contouring construction helps to accentuate your assets (emphasis on ass).
—Lindsay Geller, Women's Health, 7 Sep. 2023
The flexible, pivoting blades can contour to the head and neck for a close shave without worrying about any potential nicks.
—Good Housekeeping, 31 Aug. 2023
See More
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
Phrases Containing contour
Dictionary Entries Near contour
Cite this Entry
“Contour.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contour. Accessed 29 Sep. 2023.
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Kids Definition
contour
1 of 3 noun
con·tour
ˈkän-ˌtu̇(ə)r
1
: the outline of a figure, body, or surface
2
: a line or drawing showing an outline
contour
2 of 3 adjective1
: 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 verb1
: to shape the contour of
2
: to shape to fit contours
Medical Definition
contour
1 of 2 noun
con·tour
ˈkän-ˌtu̇(ə)r
: 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
Nglish: Translation of contour for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of contour for Arabic Speakers
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