/ ˌsɪluˈet; NAmE / noun , verb
■ noun
1.
[ C , U ] the dark outline or shape of a person or an object that you see against a light background :
the silhouette of chimneys and towers
The mountains stood out in silhouette .
2.
[ C ] the shape of a person's body or of an object :
The dress is fitted to give you a flattering silhouette.
3.
[ C ] a picture that shows sb/sth as a black shape against a light background, especially one that shows the side view of a person's face
■ verb
[ vn ] [ usually passive ] silhouette sb/sth (against sth) to make sth appear as a silhouette :
A figure stood in the doorway, silhouetted against the light.
••
WORD ORIGIN
late 18th cent.: named (although the reason remains obscure) after Étienne de Silhouette (1709–67), French author and politician.