WordLens

charcoal

1 of 3noun
/ˈtʃɑrkoʊl/
Forms:charcoals
1

a hard black substance consisting of an amorphous form of carbon which is made by slowly burning wood and is used as fuel or for drawing

Synonyms:
2

a piece or pencil made of a black substance mostly consisting carbon, used by artists for drawing

Charcoal is a black substance made from burning wood or other organic materials in a low-oxygen environment. It is used for drawing and sketching due to its rich, dark tones and ability to create a range of textures and shades. Charcoal is preferred by artists for its smooth blending and ease of use, allowing for both detailed and expressive artwork. It can be applied to various surfaces, such as paper or canvas, and is often used in combination with other materials to achieve different effects.

  • He prefers charcoal for its rich, dark lines and shading.
  • The instructor demonstrated shading techniques with charcoal.
  • His portrait in charcoal was the highlight of the exhibit.
  • Charcoal allows for bold, dramatic contrasts in artwork.
  • The student practiced still life drawing with charcoal.
Synonyms:
3

a drawing made with a stick of black carbon material

4

a very dark grey color