delineate
Americanverb (used with object)
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to trace the outline of; sketch or trace in outline; represent pictorially.
He delineated the state of Texas on the map with a red pencil.
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to portray in words; describe or outline with precision.
In her speech she delineated the city plan with great care.
verb
-
to trace the shape or outline of; sketch
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to represent pictorially, as by making a chart or diagram; depict
-
to portray in words, esp with detail and precision; describe
Other Word Forms
- delineable adjective
- delineation noun
- delineative adjective
- predelineate verb (used with object)
- undelineable adjective
Etymology
Origin of delineate
First recorded in 1550–60; from Latin dēlīneātus, equivalent to dē- de- + līneātus lineate
Explanation
Though you pronounce it duh-LIN-ee-ate, there is a "line" in the middle of delineate. This might help you remember that to delineate is to outline and define something in detail or with an actual marking of lines and boundaries. When you create an outline for a paper it usually summarizes what you will detail later. You delineate the sections, or mark the heading lines, and when you write the details, you delineate the subject of each heading. So, to delineate is both to mark lines and to fill in the lines. Using a fence to divide properties or a carpet to claim your side of the bedroom also is a way to delineate, or mark, physical boundaries.
Vocabulary lists containing delineate
Vocabulary of the Common Core
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Frankenstein
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30 GRE Words Beginning with "D"
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Once production began in Louisiana in the spring of 2024, Jordan relied on Oscar-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter to delineate the twins from the outside in.
From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 22, 2025
You can delineate these bequests in a will or in a trust, but either way, the designated administrator becomes responsible for distributing the items and can be held accountable if things go missing.
From MarketWatch • Nov. 21, 2025
The five charts below delineate risks to the labor market, but also illustrate her positive point.
From Barron's • Nov. 10, 2025
"Culturally and socially they are completely intertwined. It would be impossible to delineate where one kinship network begins and ends," Lowy Institute Pacific Islands project director Mihai Sora told the BBC.
From BBC • Feb. 7, 2024
He went on to delineate and, he hoped, prove his point.
From "Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith" by Deborah Heiligman
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
