# sketching

/ˈskɛtʃɪŋ/ (US) · /skˈɛtʃɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sketching
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

the activity of drawing a quick, simple picture of something. It is often done to capture an idea or a scene before making a more detailed version later.

For teachers: the act or practice of creating a preliminary, rough drawing that lacks detail. Often used to describe the initial stage of a visual art project or a quick observational study.

## Examples

- She spends her weekends sketching in the park.
- The architect spent the afternoon sketching several different layouts for the new community center.
- While the final oil painting is world-famous, many critics find his preliminary sketching more evocative, as it captures the raw energy of the subject with minimal strokes.

## Usage notes

- Often functions as a gerund to describe the hobby or professional activity.

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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.