vt to draw the outline of.
2. outline ·noun a sketch composed of such lines; the delineation of a figure without shading.
3. outline ·vt fig.: to sketch out or indicate as by an outline; as, to outline an argument or a campaign.
4. outline ·noun the line which marks the outer limits of an object or figure; the exterior line or edge; contour.
5. outline ·noun in art: a line drawn by pencil, pen, graver, or the like, by which the boundary of a figure is indicated.
6. outline ·noun fig.: a sketch of any scheme; a preliminary or general indication of a plan, system, course of thought, ·etc.; as, the outline of a speech.