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

• cartoonist noun
• cartoonish adjective
• 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

The latest Asterix cartoon adventure released on Thursday is being published in 19 languages and across 25 countries as it takes the indomitable Gaulish warrior to ancient Portugal.

Read more on Barron's

The Department of Transportation’s official social media account posted a cartoon image of the two Democratic congressional leaders as Disney princesses.

Read more on Salon

Like the cartoon character, having headed off the edge of a cliff, global trade is defying gravity momentarily but the running has kept going, and even sped up.

Read more on BBC

A 'Mini Moi' children's cartoon is also in development to share his story with Latin American audiences.

Read more on BBC

Disney’s World War II Donald Duck cartoon “Der Fuehrer’s Face” isn’t what stopped Hitler — it was bullets and bombs and bodies — but in some small way it may have helped the home front survive him.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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