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
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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
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.
Among other provisions, the bill would delineate when crypto markets are subject to securities regulation, likely placing most of the industry under the purview of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.
From Barron's • Mar. 9, 2026
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
"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
It occurred Tuesday on the northern tip of the shared island near one of more than 300 concrete barriers that delineate the border.
From Seattle Times • Nov. 9, 2023
“But not now. We’re satisfied ourselves that it will delineate the Nexus-6 types and we’d like you to proceed on that basis in your own particular, peculiar work.”
From "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" by Philip K. Dick
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.
