silhouette

[ sil-oo-et ]

noun

1. a two-dimensional representation of the outline of an object, as a cutout or configurational drawing, uniformly filled in with black, especially a black-paper, miniature cutout of the outlines of a person's face in profile.
2. the outline or general shape of something:

   the slim silhouette of a skyscraper.

3. a dark image outlined against a lighter background.

verb (used with object)

silhouetted, silhouetting.

1. to show in or as if in a silhouette.
2. Printing. to remove the background details from (a halftone cut) so as to produce an outline effect.

silhouette

/ ˌsɪluːˈɛt /

noun

1. the outline of a solid figure as cast by its shadow
2. an outline drawing filled in with black, often a profile portrait cut out of black paper and mounted on a light ground

verb

1. tr to cause to appear in silhouette

Other Words From

• unsil·hou·etted adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of silhouette¹

First recorded in 1790–1800; from French à la silhouette, after Etienne de Silhouette (1709–67), French finance minister; the surname Silhouette is ultimately from Basque Zilhoeta, from zilo, zilho, zulo “hole” + -eta, toponymic suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of silhouette¹

C18: named after Étienne de Silhouette (1709–67), French politician, perhaps referring to silhouettes as partial portraits, with a satirical allusion to Silhouette's brief career as controller general (1759)

Example Sentences

For holiday 2024, the timeless pattern is introduced to sporty and classic silhouettes suitable for any gathering.

From Los Angeles Times

The Joshua tree is cherished for its distinctive silhouette and singular role as a linchpin of the Mojave Desert ecosystem.

From Los Angeles Times

With its unique angular silhouette and shoulder-length spaghetti straps, the Maya is not your average baguette.

From Los Angeles Times

There are competent if conventional scenes of fog-laden meadows and villages silhouetted against distant skies.

From New York Times

The lounge silhouette is super comfortable, and over time it molds to you.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• contour
• likeness
• portrait
• shade
• shadow
• shape