# abbozzo

CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/abbozzo
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

a rough sketch or a first draft of a painting or drawing. It is the early stage where an artist starts to plan the composition.

For teachers: a preliminary sketch or a rough draft of a work of art. Often refers to a preparatory study for a larger painting or a quick charcoal sketch.

## Examples

- The artist spent hours on the abbozzo for the portrait.
- The museum displayed the abbozzo alongside the finished painting to show the artist's initial ideas.
- While the final oil painting is highly detailed, the abbozzo reveals a much looser, more spontaneous approach to the subject's proportions and lighting.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.