outline

[out-lahyn]

noun

1. the line by which a figure or object is defined or bounded; contour.

2. a drawing or sketch restricted to line without shading or modeling of form.

3. a general sketch, account, or report, indicating only the main features, as of a book, subject, or project.

   an outline of medieval history; an outline of a speech.

   Synonyms: summary, synopsis, rough, draft, plan

4. outlines, the essential features or main aspects of something under discussion.

   At the first meeting, we gave her only the outlines of the project.

5. Printing.,  an ornamented type in which the outside contours of each character appear in black, with the inside left white.

verb (used with object)

outlined, outlining 

1. to draw the outline of, or draw in outline, as a figure or object.

   Synonyms: draft, delineate

2. to give an outline of; sketch the main features of.

   On the first day, the professor just outlined the course for us.

   Synonyms: draft, delineate

outline

/ ˈaʊtˌlaɪn /

noun

1. a preliminary or schematic plan, draft, account, etc

2. (usually plural) the important features of an argument, theory, work, etc

3. the line by which an object or figure is or appears to be bounded

4. 1. a drawing or manner of drawing consisting only of external lines

   2. ( as modifier )

      an outline map

verb

1. to draw or display the outline of

2. to give the main features or general idea of

Other Word Forms

• preoutline noun
• reoutline verb (used with object)
• well-outlined adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of outline¹

First recorded in 1655–65; out- + line ¹

Synonym Study

See form.

Example Sentences

A spokesperson for Anthropic said the role is a part-time appointment and fully complies with requirements outlined by the U.K.’s Advisory Committee on Business Appointments.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

So why don’t you visit a financial adviser or a trusted friend or mentor and outline your concerns?

Read more on MarketWatch

The proposed reforms, outlined in June, are aimed at preventing another Credit Suisse-style meltdown.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

Met commissioner Sir Mark Rowley previously said the behaviour outlined by the programme was "disgraceful, totally unacceptable and contrary to the values and standards" of the force.

Read more on BBC

Airbus outlined three fixes, the most radical of which moves the inlet to the top of the jet and which would reduce “smell in cabin” events by 85%, according to an internal presentation.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• blueprint 
• draft 
• drawing 
• framework 
• summary 
• synopsis