Meaning & use

outline

noun·Academic

A general summary or plan that gives the main points of something without full detail.

See it in a sentence

She wrote an outline of the essay before drafting the full paragraphs.

The manager presented an outline of the new project's timeline.

A note on using this word

As a noun, outline refers to a structured summary; as a verb, 'to outline' means to describe something in its main points.

Words with a similar meaning

summaryoverviewsketch

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Another way to use it

2. verb

To describe the main points of something without going into full detail.

The teacher outlined the rules before the exam began.

3. noun

The line that shows the outer shape or boundary of an object.

You could see the outline of the mountains against the sunset sky.

Make it your own

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