English · Word Candidate

sketch

/ˈskɛt͡ʃ/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: sketches · sketching · sketched

Sense 1

Meaning · English

To make a brief, basic drawing.

Verb

Examples

I usually sketch with a pen rather than a pencil.

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 2

Meaning · English

To describe briefly and with very few details.

Verb

Examples

He sketched the accident, sticking to the facts as they had happened.

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

A rapidly executed freehand drawing that is not intended as a finished work, often consisting of a multitude of overlapping lines.

Noun

Examples

Orion hit a rabbit once; but though sore wounded it got to the bury, and, struggling in, the arrow caught the side of the hole and was drawn out.[…]. Ikey the blacksmith had forged us a spearhead after a sketch from a picture of a Greek warrior; and a rake-handle served as a shaft.

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

A rough design, plan, or draft, as a rough draft of a book.

Noun

Sources & notes

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

Common questions

What does “sketch” mean?

To make a brief, basic drawing.

Is “sketch” formal or informal?

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