# contour

/ˈkɑnˌtʊɹ/ (US) · /kˈɒntɔː/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/contour
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. an outline

noun · CEFR B2

the outer edge or shape of something, especially when it is curved.

For teachers: the outline or boundary of a physical object or surface, typically following its curves.

- The artist used a single line to trace the contour of the model's face.
- The sleek contour of the new sports car was designed specifically to reduce wind resistance at high speeds.

### 2. map line

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

a line on a map that connects points of the same height above sea level.

For teachers: an isoline on a map representing points of equal elevation above or below a given datum, usually sea level.

- The hikers studied the contours on the map to see how steep the climb would be.
- Closely spaced contours on a topographic map indicate a precipitous slope, whereas widely spaced lines suggest a more gradual incline.

### 3. general features

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic · Formal

the general shape or most important parts of a situation or idea.

For teachers: the general characteristics or defining features of a concept, situation, or argument.

- The two politicians agreed on the broad contours of the new trade deal.
- While the specific details remained contentious, the broad contours of the peace agreement were finally beginning to emerge during the third round of talks.

### 4. speech pattern

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

the way the pitch of a person's voice rises and falls while speaking.

For teachers: the distinctive pitch movement or intonation pattern over a stretch of speech.

- The rising contour at the end of the sentence showed that he was asking a question.
- Linguists analysed the melodic contour of the dialect to determine how its interrogative forms differed from the standard language.

### 5. to follow a shape

verb · CEFR B2

to follow the curved edge or shape of something.

For teachers: to mold or shape something so that it follows the outline of a specific form.

- The road contours around the base of the mountain.
- The new mattress is designed to contour to the sleeper's body, providing better support for the spine.

### 6. makeup technique

verb · CEFR B2 · Informal

to use makeup to make parts of your face look different by creating shadows.

For teachers: to apply cosmetics to the face or body to enhance or change the perceived shape of the structure through shading.

- She learned how to contour her cheekbones using a darker powder.
- Professional makeup artists often contour the jawline to create a more defined appearance under harsh studio lighting.

## Examples

- The map shows the contour of the hills.
- The artist used soft shadows to define the contour of the model's face in the portrait.
- By following the natural contour of the valley, the ancient road avoids the steepest inclines while providing travelers with a clear view of the river below.

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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.