I. ˈskech noun
( -es )
Etymology: Dutch schets, from Italian schizzo sketch, splash, from schizzare to splash, squirt, probably of imitative origin
1.
a. : a rough drawing representing the chief features of an object or scene and often made as a preliminary study
b. : a tentative draft or preliminary study (as for a literary work or musical composition)
2. : a brief description (as of a person) or outline
his sketch of the little born flirt devastating the hearts of the male cherubs at a children's ball — C.E.Montague
a sketch of the rise of human culture — Benjamin Farrington
3. : a short or slight creative work:
a. : a short literary composition somewhat resembling the short story and the essay but less formal and pointed than these and usually intentionally slight in treatment, discursive in style, and familiar in tone
b. : a short instrumental composition usually for piano
c. : a slight theatrical piece having a single scene ; especially : a comic often burlesque variety or vaudeville act typically developed around a mishap or misunderstanding and involving a small cast or a single performer
4. : a person peculiar or amusing in his actions or speech
Synonyms: see compendium
II. verb
( -ed/-ing/-es )
transitive verb
1. : to draw, describe, or outline the chief features of : make a sketch of : rough
can sketch the look and attitude of a man in a few pithy sentences — Harry Hansen
— often used with in or out
the background is rapidly sketched in, and only enough of it to serve as setting for the story itself — R.A.Hall b.1911
it is the purpose of this paper to sketch out the broad outline of some of the areas within which research is under way — D.P.Cartwright
2. : to execute in a superficial manner : do or make sketchily : simulate
his mother sketched a hurried, amazed sign of the cross over her breast — Kay Cicellis
intransitive verb
1. : to draw or paint a sketch
docks where artists come to sketch
2. : to act in or as if in a theatrical sketch