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
Jennifer Wilson, The New Yorker, 4 Nov. 2024
The broad outline for the event is based on an account from a senior Harris campaign official, granted anonymity to discuss sensitive planning around a speech that still is not completely closed to tweaks.
—Philip Elliott, TIME, 29 Oct. 2024
Quartz Bot, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024
The voluntary resolution agreement outlines steps the district will take the rest of the school year, including updating and revising policies and procedures and parts of its website.
—Jo Yurcaba, NBC News, 14 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for outline 
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Noun
In between, the outlines of their homeland shifted again and again, with the Napoleonic invasion of Hessen, in 1806, the Congress of Vienna and post-Napoleonic redivisions of Europe, and, eventually, the rise of Otto von Bismarck.
—Jennifer Wilson, The New Yorker, 4 Nov. 2024
The broad outline for the event is based on an account from a senior Harris campaign official, granted anonymity to discuss sensitive planning around a speech that still is not completely closed to tweaks.
—Philip Elliott, TIME, 29 Oct. 2024
Verb
The filing outlines various risk factors, including significant operating and net losses, dependence on LiveOne for financing, and potential impacts of new technologies and regulations.
—Quartz Bot, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024
The voluntary resolution agreement outlines steps the district will take the rest of the school year, including updating and revising policies and procedures and parts of its website.
—Jo Yurcaba, NBC News, 14 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 28 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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