line drawing

American  

noun

1. a drawing done exclusively in line, providing gradations in tone entirely through variations in width and density.

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line drawing British  

noun

1. a drawing made with lines only, gradations in tone being provided by the spacing and thickness of the lines

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Etymology

Origin of line drawing

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

But if Carl Richards was invited to the party — as he should be — the group might emerge with just a line drawing accompanied by a few words.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 16, 2026

Not those hairline millimetre is he on or off line drawing nonsense situations.

From BBC • Feb. 15, 2026

But they would mark a shift away from an equal protection analysis that demands close attention to fit and effect, toward one that treats administrability and legislative line drawing as decisive.

From Slate • Jan. 14, 2026

Since then, they’ve had a line drawing of a feminine figure leaning comfortably against a large orangutan on their left bicep.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 11, 2024

It stayed there for years, second shelf of the medicine cabinet—milky-white bottle with the iconic line drawing of a sailing ship, a totem of our exotic visitor.

From "Drama High" by Michael Sokolove