cartoon

American  

[kahr-toon] / kɑrˈtun /

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.

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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 British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• cartoonish
  adjective
• cartoonist
  noun
• uncartooned
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of cartoon

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

Explanation

A cartoon makes a brief, funny comment using illustrations and is often found on television, in a newspaper or in a magazine. The Simpsons and Snoopy? Both cartoons. A cartoon can be a satirical or humorous drawing, a series of illustrations (also called a comic strip), or an animated film. Many kids grow up watching new and classic cartoons on TV. Political cartoons manage to sum up an often complex idea in one simple panel. When you criticize a character or a real person for being a cartoon, you mean that they are overly simplified or exaggerated: "I hate that show because all the women are cartoon characters." The word comes from the Italian cartone, "strong, heavy paper."

Example Sentences

Nahai says she is hopeful that consumers are savvy enough nowadays to see past the cuteness of a company's cartoon character mascot.

From BBC • May 13, 2026

The adult-targeted block played a major role in mainstreaming anime, launched live-action comedy performers like Eric Andre, Tim Heidecker and Eric Wareheim, and resurrected old cartoon characters and titles with an absurdist twist.

From Salon • May 8, 2026

Lopez Aliaga, a Christian nationalist widely known as "Porky" over his self-professed resemblance to rotund cartoon character Porky Pig, campaigned as a hardliner on crime and migration.

From Barron's • May 8, 2026

Soon, Mattel launched a cartoon for the toy line, called “He-Man and the Masters of the Universe.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 30, 2026

Windy opens her mouth dramatically like a cartoon character.

From "The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl" by Stacy McAnulty

Related Words

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