sketch

1 of 3

noun (1)

ˈskech 

1

a

: a rough drawing representing the chief features of an object or scene and often made as a preliminary study

b

: a tentative draft (as for a literary work)

2

: a brief description (as of a person) or outline

3

a

: a short literary composition somewhat resembling the short story and the essay but intentionally slight in treatment, discursive in style, and familiar in tone

b

: a short instrumental composition usually for piano

c

: a slight theatrical piece having a single scene

especially : a comic variety act

sketch

2 of 3

verb

sketched; sketching; sketches

transitive verb

: to make a sketch, rough draft, or outline of

intransitive verb

: to draw or paint a sketch

sketcher noun

sketcher

3 of 3

noun (2)

sketch·​er

ˈskechə(r)

plural -s

1

: one that sketches

specifically : one that sketches designs for stage sets

2

: letterer sense d

Synonyms of sketch

Noun (1)

• drawing
• portrait
• illustration
• depiction
• image
• cartoon

Verb

• trace
• outline
• define

Examples of sketch in a Sentence

Noun (1)

He made a sketch of his house.

He wrote up a sketch of the plot.

There is a biographical sketch of the author on the book's back cover.

Verb

He sketched the trees outside his window.

He likes to sit outside and sketch.

She sketched the plan for us.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Comedian, actor, and writer Nash draws in millions of views across social platforms with sharp humor and relatable characters in viral sketch comedy skits. — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 5 Oct. 2026

Reggie McFadden, known for his appearances on the iconic sketch comedy show In Living Color, has passed away at 57. — Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 5 Oct. 2026

Verb

Parker, who started his career as a shoe designer, would sometimes sit in meetings sketching sneakers in his notebook. — Preston Fore, Fortune, 29 Sep. 2026

The corporation confirmed earlier this week that Blackface sketches featured in That Mitchell and Webb Look had been cut ahead of it being restored to iPlayer for its 20th anniversary. — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 24 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Dutch schets, from Italian schizzo, literally, splash, from schizzare to splash, of imitative origin

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1668, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1694, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Phrases Containing sketch

• sketch in
• sketch pad
• thumbnail sketch

Rhymes for sketch

• etch
• fetch
• fletch
• ketch
• stretch
• vetch
• wretch

Kids Definition

sketch

1 of 2 noun

ˈskech 

1

a

: a rough drawing representing the chief features of an object or scene

b

: a rough draft (as of a story)

2

: a brief description or outline

3

: a short comedy piece

sketch

2 of 2 verb

1

: to make a sketch, rough draft, or outline of

2

: to draw or paint a sketch

sketcher noun