cartoon

American  

[kahr-toon] / kɑrˈtun /

noun

cartoons plural

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

Derived Forms

• cartoonist
  noun
• cartoonish
  adjective
• uncartooned
  adjective

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• cartoons
  plural

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

Paramount has reportedly been exploring the possibility of selling the Nickelodeon or Cartoon Network channels to address the concerns of E.U. regulators.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 11, 2026

Cartoon Network evolved more gracefully from a retro-animation platform into a cultural tastemaker by way of Adult Swim.

From Salon • May 8, 2026

His television empire also included the TBS and TNT channels, Turner Classic Movies and Cartoon Network.

From BBC • May 6, 2026

Turner's television empire expanded beyond CNN and included TBS and TNT channels for sports and entertainment, Turner Classic Movies and Cartoon Network, among others.

From Barron's • May 6, 2026

Kaira changed the station to the Cartoon Network.

From "Small Steps" by Louis Sachar

Related Words

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