Definition of "outline" []

• A line marking the outer contours or boundaries of an object or figure. (noun)
• The shape of an object or figure. (noun)
• A style of drawing in which objects are delineated in contours without shading. (noun)
• A sketch done in this style. (noun)
• A general description covering the main points of a subject: an outline of American literature. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "A helpful way to make the transition from idea to outline is to ask yourself questions."
• "Although others will probably be able to expand my little story with many local customs from all over México, yes, even tamales, tamales and more tamales in some cases, I think you will find the general outline is much as I have written."
• "Saxon remembered her school geography, and with her mind's eye she saw a certain outline map of a continent with jiggly wavering parallel lines that denoted coast."