stick figure

American  

noun

1. a diagrammatic drawing representing a human or animal, usually made with one line each for the torso and appendages, and often a circle for the head.

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Etymology

Origin of stick figure

Probably earlier than 1945–50

Example Sentences

“Everyone, including Chernow and Miranda, made Eliza out to be this two-dimensional stick figure, almost unbearably loyal and self-effacing,” says Vaill.

From Slate • Oct. 21, 2025

I drew a stick figure in my journal, and I thought, where is the center of energy?

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 4, 2023

Is the stick figure a sign meant to ward off evil, or to draw it, or to mark prey?

From Salon • Dec. 14, 2021

Now, he learned from the “Slice” map that nature had spun its own alluring stick figure in the midst of the infinite darkness of the firmament.

From New York Times • Sep. 13, 2021

In the fall he burned brush piles and raked leaves for Virginia Gatewood, a stick figure at twilight in cloth gloves and a threadbare mackinaw coat ragged at the elbows.

From "Snow Falling on Cedars: A Novel" by David Guterson