Meaning & Definition of word "Silhouette"

Silhouette

/sɪluˈɛt/

noun:

  • 1. A dark shape and outline of someone or something visible against a lighter background.
    • Example: The silhouette of the mountain was striking against the sunset.
  • 2. A representation of something in which only the outline is shown, often filled with a solid color.
    • Example: The artist created a beautiful silhouette of a tree standing alone on the hill.
  • 3. The general shape or outline of an object, without detailed features.
    • Example: Her dress emphasized the silhouette of her figure beautifully.

verb:

  • 1. To project or show as a silhouette.
    • Example: The flames silhouetted the firefighters as they battled the blaze.

Etymology

From the French word 'silhouette', named after Étienne de Silhouette, a French finance minister known for cheap portraiture.

Common Phrases and Expressions

silhouette effect:

The visual impact created by the dark outline against a bright background.

silhouette portrait:

A portrait consisting of only the outline and profile of a person's head.

silhouette challenge:

A popular social media trend involving showing a person's silhouette against a red backdrop.

Related Words

outline:

A line marking the outer boundaries of an object.

shadow:

A dark area or shape caused by a body blocking rays of light.

profile:

The outline or contours of a face.

Slang Meanings of silhouette

Meaning: A way of referring to someone’s physical appearance as just an outline.

Example Sentence: He's got that classic silhouette that you see in models.

Meaning: Used to describe someone who has a very slim figure.

Example Sentence: She’s got a silhouette like a runway model.