Silhouette — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb /ˌsi-lə-ˈwet/ sil·hou·ette

Meaning & Definition of Silhouette

Silhouette (noun)

  1. a likeness cut from dark material and mounted on a light ground or one sketched in outline and solidly colored in
  2. the outline of a body viewed as circumscribing a mass

Silhouette (verb)

  1. to represent by a silhouette; also, to project on a background like a silhouette

Silhouette (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a line that traces the outer limits of an object or surface

    "cartoonists often try to give their characters recognizable silhouettes"

    similar: contour, figure, outline
    related: delineation, sketch, profile, skyline, cast, configuration, conformation, form, geometry, shape, framework, skeleton

Silhouette (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to draw or make apparent the outline of

    "in the photograph the majestic mountain is strikingly silhouetted against the setting sun"

    similar: define, delineate, outline, sketch, trace
    related: line, bound, fringe, margin, skirt, edge, hem, rim, trim, frame, circle, compass, encircle, girdle, girth, loop, ring, round, surround, chart, diagram, draw, map (out)

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Silhouette

The most common words with a similar meaning to Silhouette:

contour, figure, outline, define, delineate, sketch, trace

Related Words for Silhouette

delineation, profile, skyline, cast, configuration, conformation, form, geometry, shape, framework, skeleton, line, bound, fringe, margin, skirt, edge, hem, rim, trim, frame, circle, compass, encircle, girdle, girth, loop, ring, round, surround

Word Forms of Silhouette

Inflections: silhouetted, silhouetting

Derived words: silhouettist (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Silhouette

French, from Étienne de Silhouette †1767 French controller general of finances; perhaps from his ephemeral tenure

First known use: 1783

Frequently Asked Questions about Silhouette

What does "Silhouette" mean?

"Silhouette" means a likeness cut from dark material and mounted on a light ground or one sketched in outline and solidly colored in. As an a noun and a verb, it is defined as: a likeness cut from dark material and mounted on a light ground or one sketched in outline and solidly colored in. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Silhouette"?

Other words for "Silhouette" include contour, figure, outline, define, delineate, sketch and trace. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Silhouette" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Silhouette"?

There are 41 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Silhouette". Common alternatives include contour, figure, outline, define, delineate, sketch and trace.

How do you use "Silhouette" in a sentence?

Examples of "Silhouette" in a sentence: "cartoonists often try to give their characters recognizable silhouettes"; "in the photograph the majestic mountain is strikingly silhouetted against the setting sun".

Is "Silhouette" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Silhouette" can be used as a noun and a verb, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Silhouette"?

"Silhouette" is pronounced /ˌsi-lə-ˈwet/ and divided into syllables as sil·hou·ette.

What is the origin of the word "Silhouette"?

"Silhouette" comes from French, from Étienne de Silhouette †1767 French controller general of finances; perhaps from his ephemeral tenure. First known use: 1783.

What is another word for "Silhouette" meaning "a line that traces the outer limits of an object or surface"?

When "Silhouette" (noun) means a line that traces the outer limits of an object or surface, synonyms include contour, figure and outline.