sketch

1 of 2

noun

ˈskech 

1

a

: a rough drawing representing the chief features of an object or scene and often made as a preliminary study

b

: a tentative draft (as for a literary work)

2

: a brief description (as of a person) or outline

3

a

: a short literary composition somewhat resembling the short story and the essay but intentionally slight in treatment, discursive in style, and familiar in tone

b

: a short instrumental composition usually for piano

c

: a slight theatrical piece having a single scene

especially : a comic variety act

sketch

2 of 2

verb

sketched; sketching; sketches

transitive verb

: to make a sketch, rough draft, or outline of

intransitive verb

: to draw or paint a sketch

sketcher noun

Synonyms

Noun

• cartoon
• delineation
• drawing

Verb

• define
• delineate
• outline
• silhouette
• trace

Examples of sketch in a Sentence

Noun

He made a sketch of his house.

He wrote up a sketch of the plot.

There is a biographical sketch of the author on the book's back cover.

Verb

He sketched the trees outside his window.

He likes to sit outside and sketch.

She sketched the plan for us.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

While sketch comedy show frequently takes aim at Trump — played since 2016 by Alec Baldwin and James Austin Johnson — Saturday's episode spoofed the actors paying fealty to the new commander in chief. —Dennis Romero, NBC News, 10 Nov. 2024

Roan marked her debut on the NBC sketch comedy series alongside six-time host and comedian John Mulaney in an episode ahead of Election Day Nov. 5. —Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 3 Nov. 2024

Verb

Rich displays of historical posters and catalogues, whose covers were sketched by artists, showcase the development of advertising as an art form and were unearthed from private collections. —Rhonda Richford, WWD, 18 Nov. 2024

Stop sketching complex strategic formulas into the sand, Andy. —Dalton Ross, EW.com, 31 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Dutch schets, from Italian schizzo, literally, splash, from schizzare to splash, of imitative origin

First Known Use

Noun

1668, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1694, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Phrases Containing sketch

• sketch in
• sketch pad
• thumbnail sketch

Kids Definition

sketch

1 of 2 noun

ˈskech 

1

a

: a rough drawing representing the chief features of an object or scene

b

: a rough draft (as of a story)

2

: a brief description or outline

3

: a short comedy piece

sketch

2 of 2 verb

1

: to make a sketch, rough draft, or outline of

2

: to draw or paint a sketch

sketcher noun