Definition of outline

• n. - The line which marks the outer limits of an object or figure; the exterior line or edge; contour.
• n. - In art: A line drawn by pencil, pen, graver, or the like, by which the boundary of a figure is indicated.
• n. - A sketch composed of such lines; the delineation of a figure without shading.
• n. - Fig.: A sketch of any scheme; a preliminary or general indication of a plan, system, course of thought, etc.; as, the outline of a speech.
• v. t. - To draw the outline of.
• v. t. - Fig.: To sketch out or indicate as by an outline; as, to outline an argument or a campaign.