outline

[ out-lahyn ]

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.

verb (used with object)

, out·lined, out·lin·ing.

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

/ 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

verb

1. to draw or display the outline of
2. to give the main features or general idea of

Other Words From

• pre·outline noun verb (used with object) preoutlined preoutlining
• re·outline verb (used with object) reoutlined reoutlining
• well-outlined adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of outline¹

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

Synonym Study

See form.

Example Sentences

In their closing arguments, prosecutors outlined how evidence showed that Ibarra's DNA was found under the nails of Ms Riley, indicating that a struggle had ensued between them.

From BBC

The outlines of a response by the scientific community — including organized opposition to Kennedy’s appointment — are only now developing.

From Los Angeles Times

The city is long overdue for a comprehensive plan that outlines infrastructure needs and costs, including for regular maintenance and improvements to public works, such as bus shelters, landscaped medians and protected bike lanes.

From Los Angeles Times

The management company denies misleading tenants and contends that the terms of residency, including potential rent increases, were clearly outlined in the contracts that they signed.

From Los Angeles Times

It is replacing age recommendations for certain games and experiences to "content labels" that simply outline the nature of the game.

From BBC

Related Words

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