cartoon

/kɑːˈtuːn/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: cartoons · cartooning · cartooned

Sense 1

Meaning · English

A humorous drawing, often with a caption, or a strip of such drawings.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

A drawing satirising current public figures.

Noun

Examples

The newspaper published a political cartoon mocking the mayor.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

To draw a cartoon, a humorous drawing.

Verb

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

To make a preliminary sketch.

Verb

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “cartoon” mean?

A humorous drawing, often with a caption, or a strip of such drawings.

Is “cartoon” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.