out·line
ˈau̇t-ˌlīn 
1
2
a
: a style of drawing in which contours are marked without shading
drew a dog in outline
b
: a sketch in outline
prepared several outlines of the suggested mural
3
a
: a condensed treatment of a particular subject
an outline of world history
b
: a summary of a written work : synopsis
Students were required to give an outline for each assigned paper.
4
: a preliminary account of a project : plan
gave the class an outline of the points he intended to cover
5
: a fishing line set out overnight
outlined; outlining; outlines
1
: to draw the outline of
2
: to indicate the principal features or different parts of
outlined their responsibilities
Synonyms
Examples of outline in a Sentence
Noun
The pictures were drawn in outline and then filled in with color.
The leaves etched into the vase have a gold outline.
Organize your essay by writing an outline in which you state your main idea followed by your supporting points.
a brief outline of American history
Her speech was written in outline on note cards.
Verb
The President outlined his agenda for the next term.
The book outlines the major events of the country's history.
All players must follow the rules outlined above.
Recent Examples on the Web
Jordan Runtagh, People.com, 21 Nov. 2024
Kathie had painted Julia’s pegboard yellow and then painstakingly redrew the original outlines.
—Juliet Izon, Architectural Digest, 21 Nov. 2024
Jasmin Suknanan, CNBC, 26 Nov. 2024
Honigman outlined a few key traits of each element.
—Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for outline 
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Noun
Some are snapshots — making paper airplanes, watching the Muppets, swimming in the ocean — while others more impressionistic: the smell of burning incense, the scratchy stubble on his father’s chin, the boney outline of his ankle, and the cold metal of his guitar strings.
—Jordan Runtagh, People.com, 21 Nov. 2024
Kathie had painted Julia’s pegboard yellow and then painstakingly redrew the original outlines.
—Juliet Izon, Architectural Digest, 21 Nov. 2024
Verb
Other readers say the book offers real-life examples for managing your money and outlines several steps (called baby steps) to build a budget and get out of debt.
—Jasmin Suknanan, CNBC, 26 Nov. 2024
Honigman outlined a few key traits of each element.
—Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for outline
Dictionary Entries Near outline
Cite this Entry
“Outline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outline. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
outline
1 of 2 noun
out·line
ˈau̇t-ˌlīn
1
: a line that traces or forms the outer limits of an object or figure and shows its shape
2
a
: a drawing or picture giving only the outlines of something
b
: this method of drawing
3
a
: a brief summary or plan often in numbered divisions
b
: a brief treatment of a subject
an outline of world history
outline
2 of 2 verb1
: to draw or trace the outline of
2
: to indicate the main features or parts of
outlined our responsibilities
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