drawing

American  

[draw-ing] / ˈdrɔ ɪŋ /

noun

1. the act of a person or thing that draws.

2. a graphic representation by lines of an object or idea, as with a pencil; a delineation of form without reference to color.

3. a sketch, plan, or design, especially one made with pen, pencil, or crayon.

4. the art or technique of making these.

5. something decided by drawing lots; lottery.

6. the selection, or time of selection, of the winning chance or chances sold by lottery or raffle.

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drawing British  

/ ˈdrɔːɪŋ /

noun

1. a picture or plan made by means of lines on a surface, esp one made with a pencil or pen without the use of colour

2. a sketch, plan, or outline

3. the art of making drawings; draughtsmanship

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Other Word Forms

• self-drawing noun

Etymology

Origin of drawing

A Middle English word dating back to 1275–1325; draw, -ing ¹

Explanation

A drawing is a sketch or a picture, usually made with a pencil or pen. You might use extra class time after you've finished a test to make a quick drawing of your teacher sleeping at his desk. A drawing is an artwork that's not a painting — it's made of sketched lines and represents some object, person, or form. An architect might begin working on a project for a house design by doing some drawings, and a kindergartener might proudly hang a drawing of her family on the refrigerator. Another kind of drawing is the act of pulling, which is also the earliest meaning of the word.

Example Sentences

And their recent record is even more impressive, winning 19 and drawing just two of their past 21 games in April since a 2-1 home defeat by Leeds in 2021.

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2026

The space agency is also drawing from external partners, such as the European companies that built the propulsion module for Orion.

From Barron's • Apr. 11, 2026

Kim Hyon-hui, a North Korean agent who helped blow up a South Korean jetliner in November 1987 before being arrested and eventually converting to Christianity, went further in drawing a line between Christianity and Kimilsungism.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 11, 2026

By its second season, “Euphoria” had become one of HBO’s most-watched series, with episodes drawing millions of viewers.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

Finally, I tell her about this afternoon, finding Dad’s drawing and seeing into his memory.

From "Clairboyance" by Kristiana Kahakauwila

Related Words

• cartoon
• depiction
• design
• etching
• graphics
• layout
• likeness
• painting
• picture
• sketch
• study
• work of art