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” ( carte ) + -one augmentative suffix

Example Sentences

Russia’s communications watchdog touted their benefits last year in a cartoon comparing them to a form of digital detox, urging Russians to log off and “find connection with yourself.”

From The Wall Street Journal

The vast majority are about Iran and mix war footage with video games, cartoons, action movies and slick cinematic editing.

From The Wall Street Journal

It shouldn’t require turning other people into cartoons.

From The Wall Street Journal

Known by his pen name Cobra, Biniam gained fame for his critical and witty cartoons tackling political and social issues.

From BBC

She had a feelings chart on the wall in her classroom—cartoon faces lined up in rows.

From Literature

Related Words

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