cartoon

[ kahr-toon ]

noun

1. a sketch or drawing, usually humorous, as in a newspaper or periodical, symbolizing, satirizing, or caricaturing some action, subject, or person of popular interest.
2. comic strip.
3. animated cartoon.
4. Fine Arts. a full-scale design for a picture, ornamental motif or pattern, or the like, to be transferred to a fresco, tapestry, etc.

adjective

1. resembling a cartoon or caricature:

   The novel is full of predictable, cartoon characters, never believable as real people.

verb (used with object)

1. to represent by a cartoon.

verb (used without object)

1. to draw cartoons.

cartoon

/ kɑːˈtuːn /

noun

1. a humorous or satirical drawing, esp one in a newspaper or magazine, concerning a topical event
2. Also calledcomic strip a sequence of drawings in a newspaper, magazine, etc, relating a comic or adventurous situation
3. See animated cartoon
4. a full-size preparatory sketch for a fresco, tapestry, mosaic, etc, from which the final work is traced or copied

Derived Forms

• carˈtoonist, noun

Other Words From

• car·toonish adjective
• car·toonist noun
• uncar·tooned adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of cartoon¹

First recorded in 1665–75; from Italian cartone “pasteboard, stout paper, a drawing on such paper,” equivalent to cart(a) “paper” ( carte ) + -one augmentative suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of cartoon¹

C17: from Italian cartone pasteboard, sketch on stiff paper; see carton

Example Sentences

The participants watched videos of a cartoon fox who asked them to point to different objects.

From Science Daily

She voiced a character for a 2015 Lego video game and was a main voice in “Lloyd in Space,” a Disney cartoon centered on a child alien that ran for four seasons from 2001-2004.

From New York Times

Anyone who bought it would own shares in a cartoon character that resembled a metal coil.

From BBC

Viewers can also expect a visit from the stars of Gladiators, as well as a special performance from Strictly Come Dancing as the professionals are joined by cartoon character Bluey.

From BBC

The goal of the original attraction was to be something of a cartoon sprung to life, and it did so by focusing only on “Song of the South’s” animated characters.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• animation
• caricature
• comic strip
• drawing
• parody
• satire
• sketch