Sketch

Pronunciation

• Rhymes: -É›tʃ

Alternative forms

• scetch

Origin

From Dutch schets, from Italian schizzo, from Latin schedium, from Ancient Greek σχέδιος (schedios, "made suddenly, off-hand"), from σχεδόν (schedon, "near, nearby"), from ἔχω (ekhō, "I hold"). Compare scheme.

Full definition of sketch

Verb

1. To make a brief, basic drawing.I usually sketch with a pen rather than a pencil.
2. To describe briefly and with very few details.He sketched the accident, sticking to the facts as they had happened.

Noun

1. A rapidly executed freehand drawing that is not intended as a finished work, often consisting of a multitude of overlapping lines.
• 2012-03, w, Pixels or Perish, Drawings and pictures are more than mere ornaments in scientific discourse. Blackboard sketches, geological maps, diagrams of molecular structure, astronomical photographs, MRI images, the many varieties of statistical charts and graphs: These pictorial devices are indispensable tools for presenting evidence, for explaining a theory, for telling a story.
2. A rough design, plan, or draft, as a rough draft of a book.
3. A brief description of a person or account of an incident; a general presentation or outline.
4. A brief, light, or unfinished dramatic, musical, or literary work or idea; eg. a short, often humorous or satirical scene or play, frequently as part of a revue or variety show, a skit; or, a brief musical composition or theme, especially for the piano; or, a brief, light, or informal literary composition, such as an essay or short story.
5. (informal) An amusing person.
6. (slang, Ireland) Keeping sketch: to keep a lookout.

Related terms

• sketchbook
• sketchy

Descendants

• German: Sketch