outline

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   describe roughly or briefly or give the main points or summary of

   sketch the outline of the book

2. 2
   noun

   The outer shape of an object or figure.

   From this point of vantage, we were able to gain an impression of the massive outlines of the main structure, and its intricate maze of girders.

3. 3
   noun

   A sketch or drawing in which objects are delineated in contours without shading.

   Painters, by their outlines, colours, lights, and shadows, represent the same in their pictures.

4. 4
   noun

   A preliminary plan for a project.

   the outline of a speech

5. 5
   verb

   To draw an outline of; to describe.

   He stood transfixed before the unaccustomed view of London at night time, a vast panorama which reminded him […] of some wood engravings far off and magical, in a printshop in his childhood. They dated from the previous century and were coarsely printed on tinted paper, with tinsel outlining the design.

6. 6
   verb

   To summarize.

   Wikipedia items featuring books usually outline them after giving their background.

7. 7
   noun

   a schematic or preliminary plan

8. 8
   noun

   a sketchy summary of the main points of an argument or theory

Etymology

From out + line.