n. & v.
--n.
1. a humorous drawing in a newspaper, magazine, etc., esp. as a topical comment.
2 a sequence of drawings, often with speech indicated, telling a story (strip cartoon).
3 a filmed sequence of drawings using the technique of animation.
4 a full-size drawing on stout paper as an artist's preliminary design for a painting, tapestry, mosaic, etc.
--v.
1. tr. draw a cartoon of.
2 intr. draw cartoons.
Derivatives:
cartoonist n.
Etymology: It. cartone f. carta CARD(1)