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

Nick Griffin, 66, shared a cartoon on social media in 2021 that was "threatening, abusive or insulting", it is alleged.

Read more on BBC

It’s like stumbling into an old Max Fleischer cartoon that has come to life.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

One cartoon posted on X by Chinese state media depicted her in Japanese Imperial Army uniform, a sheathed sword at her side.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Oliver continues to watch cartoons on a portable screen, oblivious to the potential importance of what's just happened.

Read more on BBC

One Halloween, she dressed up as Disney’s cartoon car, Lightning McQueen.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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