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sketch

n. · v. · adj.
US //ˈskɛtʃ// UK //skˈɛtʃ// sketch
  1. 1 a quick drawing (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a simple drawing that is made quickly and does not have many details.

    a rapidly executed freehand drawing, often serving as a preliminary study rather than a finished work.

    Example

    He made a quick sketch of the mountains in his notebook.

    Example

    The artist produced several charcoal sketches of the model before committing to the final oil portrait.
  2. 2 a short comedy scene (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Theatre

    a short, funny performance that is part of a larger show.

    a brief, often humorous or satirical dramatic piece, typically performed as part of a revue or variety programme.

    Example

    The comedy show featured a hilarious sketch about a talking dog.

    Example

    The satirical sketch mocked the recent political scandals, drawing loud applause from the studio audience.
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  1. 3 to draw quickly (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to make a quick drawing of something.

    to produce a rough or preliminary drawing of a subject.

    Example

    She sketched the old bridge while waiting for the bus.

    Example

    The architect sketched the initial floor plan on a napkin during the lunch meeting to illustrate his vision.
  2. 4 to describe briefly (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to give a short description of something without all the details.

    to provide a brief or general account of a situation or plan, omitting specific details.

    Example

    The manager sketched out the new plan for the team.

    Example

    In his opening remarks, the director sketched the historical context of the project before introducing the technical team.
  3. 5 suspicious or low quality (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Informal Slang

    something that feels unsafe, dishonest, or poorly made.

    questionable, suspicious, or unreliable in nature; a shortened form of 'sketchy'.

    Example

    I didn't want to go into that dark alley because it looked a bit sketch.

    Example

    The website looked a bit sketch, so I decided not to enter my credit card details.

    Usage

    Often used as a predicative adjective after the verb 'to be' or 'to look'.
Origin

From Dutch schets or German Skizze, from Italian schizzo, from Latin schedium, from Ancient Greek σχέδιος (skhédios, “made suddenly, off-hand”), from σχεδόν (skhedón, “near, nearby”), from ἔχω (ékhō, “to hold”). Compare scheme.

Word family

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