outline

n.

1. A skeletonized plan

   frame, skeleton, framework; see plan 1, sketch 1.

2. A preliminary plan

   sketch, drawing, draft; see plan 2.

3. The line surrounding an object; often plural

   contour, edge, side, boundary; see edge 1, frame 3.

4. A shape seen in outline

   silhouette, profile, contour, form, configuration, shape, figure, formation, lineament, aspect, appearance, representation, footprint; see also form 1. See syn. study at form.

outline is used of the line bounding the limits of an object and showing its shape the sketch shows only the outline of the skyscrapers; contour, specifically applied to the configuration of a land mass, in general use stresses the shape of an object or mass as determined by its outline the irregular contours of the building; profile is used of the outline or contour of the face in a side view or of the outline of any object as it is seen against a background the profile of the trees against the sky; silhouette applies to a profile portrait, esp. of the head and usually in solid black, or it may be used of any dark shape seen against a light background the silhouette of a house against the moonlight

outline

v.

1. To draw

   sketch, paint, describe; see draw 2.

2. To plan

   rough out, block out, draft, sketch; see plan 2.