/ ˈaʊtlaɪn; NAmE / verb , noun
■ verb
1.
outline sth (to sb) to give a description of the main facts or points involved in sth
SYN sketch :
[ vn ]
We outlined our proposals to the committee.
[also v wh- ]
2.
[ vn ] [ usually passive ] to show or mark the outer edge of sth :
They saw the huge building outlined against the sky.
■ noun
1.
a description of the main facts or points involved in sth :
This is a brief outline of the events.
You should draw up a plan or outline for the essay.
The book describes in outline the main findings of the research.
an outline agreement / proposal
2.
the line that goes around the edge of sth, showing its main shape but not the details :
At last we could see the dim outline of an island.
an outline map / sketch
She drew the figures in outline .