English · Word Candidate

outline

/ˈaʊtlaɪn/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: outlines · outlining · outlined

Sense 1

Meaning · English

A line marking the boundary of an object figure.

Noun

Sources & notes

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

Sense 2

Meaning · English

The outer shape of an object or figure.

Noun

Examples

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.

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 an outline of; to describe.

Verb

Examples

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 des

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 4

Meaning · English

To summarize.

Verb

Examples

Wikipedia items featuring books usually outline them after giving their background.

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).

Common questions

What does “outline” mean?

A line marking the boundary of an object figure.

Is “outline” formal or informal?

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