outline

Everyday

1. An outline is a line that shows the shape or edge of something. tree →
2. An outline is a short plan that gives the main points, not all the details. tree →
3. To outline something is to draw its edge. tree →
4. To outline a plan or story is to explain its main points. tree →

In the lessons

In art, pupils draw the outline first and then colour in. In English, they write an outline (plan) before an essay or story. In maths, the outline of a shape is its perimeter. Phrases: "in outline", "rough outline", "outline the main points".

Examples

• Draw the outline of the leaf. tree →
• We saw the outline of the hills in the dark. tree →
• Write an outline before your story. tree →
• The teacher outlined the plan for the trip. tree →
• Trace the outline of your hand. tree →
• Here's a brief outline of the book. tree →
• Again he gave me an outline for a sketch. tree →

Note

Countable noun. Verb regular: outlined, outlining. The distance round the outline of a shape is its perimeter.