English Reference

Word

outline

Phoneticsout·line, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈaʊtˌɫaɪn/

UK/ˈaʊtlaɪn/

Definitions

01outer shape

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun

n. the line or shape that shows the edge of an object.

n. the line marking the outer boundary or contour of an object or figure.

“In the fog, we could only see the dark outline of the mountains.”

“The artist used charcoal to trace the rough outline of the model before adding any internal detail or shading.”

Antonyms

02a summary or plan

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. a short description of the main points of a plan, book, or speech.

n. a structured summary or preliminary plan that highlights the essential features or main points of a subject.

“The teacher asked us to write an outline before we started our essays.”

“The project manager presented a broad outline of the new strategy, leaving the specific technical requirements for a later discussion.”

Antonyms

03film story

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Theater Technical

n. a written version of a story used to plan a movie script.

n. a prose narrative of a story intended for development into a screenplay, typically more detailed than a treatment.

“The writer sent a ten-page outline to the studio to see if they liked the plot.”

“After the initial pitch was accepted, the screenwriter spent three weeks refining the outline to ensure the pacing of the second act was effective.”

Synonyms

04to describe main points

B2 · Upper Intermediate

v. to give a short description of the most important parts of something.

v. to provide a summary of the principal aspects or features of a plan or theory.

“The director will outline the new safety rules at the meeting tomorrow.”

“The report outlines several key areas where the company can improve its environmental impact over the next decade.”

05to draw the edge

B1 · Intermediate

v. to draw the outer edge or shape of something.

v. to draw or trace the outer edge or contour of a physical object.

“She used a black pen to outline the stars she had drawn.”

“The architect carefully outlined the footprint of the building on the site map to show how it would fit between the existing trees.”

Synonyms

tracedelineate

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “outline” in context.

Adjective

01. broad outline

“The professor gave a broad outline of the course requirements during the first lecture.”

adj + noun

02. general outline

“I have a general outline of the story, but I still need to work on the specific details.”

adj + noun

03. approach outline

04. outline approach

05. outline principle

Real-World Examples

“Males usually have a more noticeable point along the front edge of the head, while females tend to have a smoother and more rounded outline.”
ScienceDaily 4 Sept 2026
“A thin black line outlines the holder that supports the stone (left).”
Phys.org 24 Aug 2026

Etymology

From out + line.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Domains

FilmFishing

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Frequency
Frequent
Level
B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
Updated

QR code

englishreference.com/q/outline

English Reference