Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Sketch?

\Sketch\, n. [D. schets, fr. It. schizzo a sketch, a splash (whence also F. esquisse; cf. {Esquisse}.); cf. It. schizzare to splash, to sketch.] An outline or general delineation of anything; a first rough or incomplete draught or plan of any design; especially, in the fine arts, such a representation of an object or scene as serves the artist's purpose by recording its chief features; also, a preliminary study for an original work. Syn: Outline; delineation; draught; plan; design. Usage: {Sketch}, {Outline}, {Delineation}. An outline gives only the bounding lines of some scene or picture. A sketch fills up the outline in part, giving broad touches, by which an imperfect idea may be conveyed. A delineation goes further, carrying out the more striking features of the picture, and going so much into detail as to furnish a clear conception of the whole. Figuratively, we may speak of the outlines of a plan, of a work, of a project, etc., which serve as a basis on which the subordinate parts are formed, or of sketches of countries, characters, manners, etc., which give us a general idea of the things described. --Crabb.
\Sketch\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Sketched}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Sketching}.] [Cf D. schetsen, It. schizzare. See {Sketch}, n.] 1. To draw the outline or chief features of; to make a rought of. 2. To plan or describe by giving the principal points or ideas of. Syn: To delineate; design; draught; depict.
\Sketch\, v. i. To make sketches, as of landscapes.