Outline

/ˈaʊtlaɪn/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A general description or plan that gives the main ideas of something.

The teacher asked us to create an outline for our research paper.

The outer edge or shape of something.

The outline of the mountain was visible against the sunset.

verb

To give a brief summary of something or to indicate the main points.

She outlined her main arguments before the debate began.

To draw or trace the outer edge or shape of something.

He outlined the figure on the canvas before starting to paint.

From Middle English outlin, from Old French outline, which is derived from Latin linea, meaning 'line'.

outline the plan

To give a summary or main points of a proposed strategy.

outline a project

To provide a structured summary of the components required for a project.

draw an outline

To create the shape or contour of an object.

outline of a story

The main plot points or structure of a narrative.

sketch

A rough or unfinished drawing.

draft

A preliminary version of a piece of writing.

summary

A brief statement of the main points.

To lay out a basic plan.

Let’s outline our ideas before we dive in.

To highlight key features.

I outlined my main points during the presentation.