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 called: comic 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

Other Word Forms

• cartoonish adjective
• cartoonist noun
• uncartooned 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

At the end of a long day, I sometimes spend a few mindless minutes scrolling absurd clips of these cartoon cats having affairs—or of their kittens getting flushed down the toilet.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

Bonsu has brought together a collection of incredible breadth - from watercolours to photography to miniscule thorn carvings to political cartoons.

Read more on BBC

“When I think about things, I kind of convert them into cartoon characters,” explained Shilling in her cheerful, singsong voice.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Most scenes filmed with a human are seen from the waist down or with the human’s face conveniently obscured, reminiscent of how the “Peanuts” cartoons depict a kid’s perspective of adults.

Read more on Salon

“From Internet memes to late-night comedians, from cartoons to the plays and poems as old as organized government itself — Political Satire circumvents traditional gatekeepers & helps hold those in power accountable,” he continued.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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