What does "outline" mean?
A line marking the boundary of an object figure.
Outline
/ˈaʊtlaɪn/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Very common ·Middle school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A line marking the boundary of an object figure.
- Grammar: outline is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: abstract, synopsis, recapitulate, abbreviation.
- Useful contrasts: chaos, chronicle history, chronicle in detail.
- Usage evidence: First, I'm going to do an outline of my new website.
How to use "outline"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "outline" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "outline" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "outline" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "outline" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "outline" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "abstract" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "outline", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A line marking the boundary of an object figure.
- 2 a schematic or preliminary plan wordnet
- 3 The outer shape of an object or figure.
"From this point of vantage, we were able to gain an impression of the massive outlines of the main structure, and its intricate maze of girders."
- 4 a sketchy summary of the main points of an argument or theory wordnet
- 5 A sketch or drawing in which objects are delineated in contours without shading.
"Painters, by their outlines, colours, lights, and shadows, represent the same in their pictures."
Show 6 more definitions
- 6 the line that appears to bound an object wordnet
- 7 A general description of some subject.
- 8 A statement summarizing the important points of a text.
- 9 A preliminary plan for a project.
"the outline of a speech"
- 10 A prose telling of a story intended to be turned into a screenplay; generally longer and more detailed than a treatment.
- 11 A setline or trotline.
Verb
- 1 To draw an outline of; to describe. transitive
"He stood transfixed before the unaccustomed view of London at night time, a vast panorama which reminded him […] of some wood engravings far off and magical, in a printshop in his childhood. They dated from the previous century and were coarsely printed on tinted paper, with tinsel outlining the design."
- 2 describe roughly or briefly or give the main points or summary of wordnet
- 3 To summarize. transitive
"Wikipedia items featuring books usually outline them after giving their background."
- 4 trace the shape of wordnet
- 5 To optimize for size by replacing repeated code fragments with function calls. transitive
Show 1 more definition
- 6 draw up an outline or sketch for something wordnet
Example
"First, I'm going to do an outline of my new website."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "outline"?
Common synonyms include: abstract, synopsis, recapitulate, abbreviation, abbreviature, abrege.
How do you use "outline" in a sentence?
First, I'm going to do an outline of my new website.
How do you pronounce "outline"?
Pronounced /ˈaʊtlaɪn/.
Etymology
From out + line.