outline

American  

[out-lahyn] / ˈaʊtˌlaɪn /

noun

1. the line by which a figure or object is defined or bounded; contour.

2. a drawing or sketch restricted to line without shading or modeling of form.

3. a general sketch, account, or report, indicating only the main features, as of a book, subject, or project.

   an outline of medieval history; an outline of a speech.

   Synonyms:

   summary, synopsis, rough, draft, plan

4. outlines, the essential features or main aspects of something under discussion.

   At the first meeting, we gave her only the outlines of the project.

5. Printing. an ornamented type in which the outside contours of each character appear in black, with the inside left white.

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verb (used with object)

outlined, outlining

1. to draw the outline of, or draw in outline, as a figure or object.

   Synonyms:

   draft, delineate

2. to give an outline of; sketch the main features of.

   On the first day, the professor just outlined the course for us.

   Synonyms:

   draft, delineate

outline British  

/ ˈaʊtˌlaɪn /

noun

1. a preliminary or schematic plan, draft, account, etc

2. (usually plural) the important features of an argument, theory, work, etc

3. the line by which an object or figure is or appears to be bounded

4. 1. a drawing or manner of drawing consisting only of external lines

   2. ( as modifier )

      an outline map

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verb

1. to draw or display the outline of

2. to give the main features or general idea of

Related Words

See form.

Other Word Forms

• preoutline noun
• reoutline verb (used with object)
• well-outlined adjective

Etymology

Origin of outline

First recorded in 1655–65; out- + line ¹

Example Sentences

The change in priorities was outlined in a series of memos sent to attorneys early last year.

From Salon

Oracle recently outlined in a regulatory filing that it would spend $500 million more on restructuring costs in the current fiscal year than previously reported, suggesting an acceleration in its job-cutting program.

From The Wall Street Journal

A Plaid Cymru spokesperson said thousands of struggling households will be ineligible "due to the narrow nature of this support" and called on the UK government to outline a broader package of help.

From BBC

Hershey also outlined plans to modernize its supply chain through the increased use of automation, technology and artificial intelligence, aiming to boost productivity and fund reinvestment in growth initiatives.

From The Wall Street Journal

“The inclusion of a maiden resource for West Dome Underground and extensions at Main Dome Underground outline exciting high-grade additions which can serve as a supplement to the base load low-grade open pit,” says Hissey.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• blueprint
• draft
• drawing
• framework
• summary
• synopsis